Aside from a handful of pilot events in August and September, football grounds across the country have been empty since the professional game was suspended amid the Coronavirus pandemic on 13 March.
On Wednesday, a total of about 10,000 fans will be allowed into six games in the English Football League (EFL).
League Two side Carlisle will be the first club to play with supporters in their stadium as their encounter with Salford City kicks off at 19:00 GMT. The remaining five fixtures – at Luton, Wycombe, Charlton, Shrewsbury and Cambridge – all start at 19:45 GMT.
Supporters will be allowed to sing in support of their team – but must remain socially distant.
However, there are some key differences to the matchday experience for those going to the ground. Fans will be told:
- not to touch the ball if it comes near them;
- not to approach players for autographs and selfies before or after games;
- to wear face masks as they enter the stadium and go to their seats.
EFL chairman Rick Parry is confident the return of a limited number of fans will go well.
“I don’t think fans have to be told how to behave,” he said. “I would just say welcome – and enjoy.”
How will the experience be different?
Luton and Wycombe’s games have been capped at 1,000 capacity. The other four matches are allowed up to 2,000 fans because they have previously held pilot events.
There will be no away fans and no supporter will be allowed to attend if they live in a tier three area.
Clubs have all issued guidance to fans, although some of the the precise details – including whether face masks need to be worn by supporters when they are watching the game – depend on the individual clubs.
In an exemption to present legislation, supporters do not need to buy a ‘substantial meal’ in order to drink alcohol in the concourses.
In other changes to normal matches:
- Fans will be told to arrive at stadiums early.
- Social distancing must be observed.
- Fans will be advised against using toilet facilities ‘at peak times’ – at half-time and the end of the game.
- Supporters are being asked to avoid ‘unnecessary movement’ and stay in their seats throughout the game ‘if possible’.
- Thy should also ‘maintain safe distances’ during goal celebrations.
