When fans could return to football stadiums after Boris Johnson reveals route out of lockdown

Fans to return this season

Today Boris Johnson released information that will guide the UK out of the current lockdown restrictions and this included guidance on when football fans will be able to return to stadiums and watch their beloved teams play.

Between the second and third lockdown, there was a brief period in which fans did return to grounds up and down the country and a very small capacity. With the rollout of the vaccine being incredibly successful and more than a third of UK adults currently vaccinated with their first dose, when fans return again it could be in a much greater number.

PM Boris Johnson says some fans could be back in stadiums on Monday May 17. Lots of caveats but would mean fans back for final day of the Premier League season, possibly earlier if games rearranged for that midweek.

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 22, 2021

The Athletic have also reported that up to 10,000 supporters could return to stadiums for the final day of the season.

This could also mean the return of fans to stadiums for the European Championships of which many of the matches are being held at London’s Wembley stadium.

Managers on fan return

Without fans in stadiums, it has been a somber time for the sport although the continuation of football has certainly brought a lot of joy to many people across the country, even being the highlight of that time.

With fans on the verge of seeing a light at the end of a very dark tunnel, it is interesting to look back at the thoughts of Premier League managers as to how they felt about fans returning for the brief period between the second and third lockdown.

“If they believe this is the best, we can do it, hopefully it will work and nothing wrong will happen. Everyone is [waiting] for fans to come back into stadiums,” said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

“We are ready to host as many as we possibly can. It is going to depend on how the pandemic develops, the new measurements when we start to open things up a little bit and see how people react to that. Hopefully we can do that,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.

“Even if it’s limited numbers it brings that feel and that connection back for the fans to the team and the club. Hopefully it’ll build quickly on the back of that,” said Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

With the news breaking, it is likely that many of the coaches will be asked in the next available press conference as to their thoughts regarding a possible fan return.

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This article was edited by Josh Barker.

Source: 101greatgoals.com