Government announces guidelines on the return of fans to sporting events

The Government have announced their latest guidance for watching sport - and it has led to controversy amongst clubs and fans.
Supporters can watch grassroots sport, but only if it is on public land.Supporters can watch grassroots sport, but only if it is on public land.
Supporters can watch grassroots sport, but only if it is on public land.

The next stage of lockdown easing comes into place on Monday (April 12).But while outdoor hospitality and fetes are allowed to return, it's not that simple for sports venues.

Fans can watch grassroots sport - in groups of no more than six or two households - but only if it is on public land. Staged events in grounds will not be allowed fans in until May 17 at the earliest.

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The Football Association had originally suggested fans would be able to return to all grassroots sports venues by April 12. They are yet to comment on the new ruling.

A statement from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport read: "Spectators are not permitted to attend sporting events taking place on private land, other than adults needed to supervise under 18s that they have a responsibility for or providing care or assistance to a person with disabilities participating in an organised sporting event or activity.

"They should maintain social distance and not mix with other households.

"This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in a public space, eg a park, in groups of up to six people or two households.

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"However, sporting events that are intended to attract spectators (including ticketed events), or events that are likely to attract a significant number of spectators (eg a major marathon) should not take place in a public space, or on private land, until step three (May 17)."

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