With a new regional coronavirus tier system announced, the question on many sports fans’ lips remains; ‘When will fans be allowed back in stadiums?’.
Gloucestershire was been confirmed this morning as a tier 2 region in a government announcement confirming it’s status.
This is good news for the county’s sports fans, as it confirms that spectators will be allowed to return to stadiums, with a limit of 2000 for outdoor venues and 1000 for indoor venues.
Under these regulations fans of local football league clubs Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers will be allowed back into their respective venues of the Jonny Rocks Stadium and the innocent New Lawn.
Gloucestershire Live sport reporter Jon Palmer spoke optimistically about the on-going situation, and is in full support of fans returning to sports venues.
“My view is it’s definitely not too soon to have fans back in the stadiums.
“There’s going to be a hell of a lot of planning, but it’s worth it because to have played a third of the season without the fans is a tragedy really, and they’ve got to find a way in a 7,000 capacity stadium to at least have 1-1,500 in there without it risking anyone’s health.
“Every player will be looking forward to fans getting back in, because that’s what football’s all about.
With the COVID-19 situation remaining so fragile, Palmer added that care should be taken, but ultimately spectators should be able to support their side.
“We’ve got to be grateful that we are in tier 2, things seem to be under control here, and that’s obviously more important than a game of football.
“If it stays in tier 2, then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t get at least a four-figure number of fans back in without risking anyone’s health.”
As of right now, fans of Gloucestershire clubs can start getting excited, as football will at last be open to the public.
