Following months of pressure from clubs and supporters groups, the government has finally softened its stance to let football fans back into stadiums, albeit at a vastly reduced capacity.
England will return to a three-tier system from next Thursday once the second lockdown has ended and the government has said that clubs that fall in Tier 1 or 2 areas, will be able to have fans in attendance. Clubs in Tier 3, though, will continue to play matches behind closed doors.
It has been reported that clubs in Tier 1 can have up to 4,000 fans inside their stadiums or 50 per cent of their overall capacity for lower and non-league clubs. In Tier 2, that number is halved to 2,000 but remains 50 per cent for smaller capacity stadiums.
It is unlikely that clubs will learn whether or not they can host fans inside their stadiums until Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes his announcement on the tier-three system which is expected this week. It has been reported that the government will strengthen its tier restrictions meaning more areas across the country are likely to be placed in Tier 2 or 3, therefore reducing the chance of some clubs welcoming fans back in.
Although having such a restricted number of spectators inside stadiums is unlikely to be financially viable for Premier League clubs – 2,000 fans equates to 2.6 per cent of Old Trafford’s overall capacity, for instance – there is a seemingly uniform acceptance across the division that it would represent a positive first step.
“2,000 to 4,000 fans isn’t viable for us beyond the short term but it’s a good first step and it’s vitally important we re-engage with our fans again,” said Brighton’s CEO Paul Barber. “With these sort of numbers it’s not viable beyond the short term but what it does is give us an opportunity to prove to the government that we can bring fans back safely.”
Once clubs find out which tiers they will be in, the next step will be deciding how to allocate such a limited number of tickets to supporters who have been starved of seeing their teams in the flesh since March.
In September, eight EFL clubs hosted up to 1,000 fans inside their stadiums as part of the “return of fans” pilot programme. The clubs involved, which included Norwich City, Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic, allocated tickets in different ways such as through a random ballot, a first come first served basis for season ticket holders and by invite only.
Here is how the Premier League’s ‘big six’ are planning to distribute tickets if they are given the green light to open their stadium doors once more.
Arsenal
In September when it seemed as though fans may return in October, Arsenal announced that “Gold season ticket holders and Premium members will have priority access to the limited tickets available”.
Arsenal have not charged supporters for their season tickets due to uncertainty over when full capacity matches will be able to staged once more, however, they did provide an option to fans to make an initial payment in order to qualify for the balloting process to attend limited capacity games.
According to a statement on the club’s website, Arsenal had consulted with various fans groups before reaching their decision.
Chelsea
Chelsea are yet to provide any information on how tickets will be allocated. However, following the government’s announcement, they pledged to “work on plans to accommodate as many fans as possible, as fairly as possible”.
Liverpool
Before the start of the season, Liverpool announced that they would be temporarily suspending season ticket renewals and would instead sell match tickets on a game by game basis.
They have not disclosed any information on how tickets are to be allocated, however.
Manchester City
Manchester City will give their supporters the opportunity to enter a ballot for reduced capacity matches on a game by game basis, but priority will be given to 2019-20 Seasoncard holders.
The club has also asked supporters to update their contact details on their website so that the track-and-trace system they have in place will be more effective.
Manchester United
Last month, Manchester United released a statement announcing its “readiness to welcome fans back to Old Trafford” after the government postponed plans for allowing supporters to return after a surge in Covid-19 cases. The club announced that they could safely host 23,500 fans, just under a third of Old Trafford’s capacity.
The club has not responded to the government’s latest statement, but in August said that they would contact fans over how and when they would be able to attend reduced capacity matches. Supporters were encouraged to register for ticket alert emails for further information.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham invited supporters to make an initial payment worth 20 per cent of their season tickets in August. Those who completed their initial payment will be entered into a ballot to determine whether or not they will be able to attend a game.
The club announced that “the system is well communicated, fair and even-handed,” while supporters will be able to choose which games they wish to be entered into the ballot for.
Spurs also stated that groups of season ticket holders would be able to enter the ballot together but would have to socially distance inside the stadium if their ballot was successful.
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