Page 7 - Deal Round Up October 2020

The National League campaign had been scheduled to start on October 3 with the intention of fans
being allowed back in grounds at Steps 1 and 2 but Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on
Tuesday 22nd September this would not be allowed to happen. It is believed the division will not
start without fans. Four test events had been scheduled to take place involving National League clubs
in front of 1,000 fans and three of the friendly fixtures went ahead on Tuesday. Notts County against
York City, scheduled for Saturday (26th), suspended ticket sales following the new restrictions
pending further updates from the government and football authorities.
This is an ever-changing scenario and at the time of writing it is impossible to say what will happen
next.
Local lockdowns in north England shows crowds in football grounds are on a knife edge. At midnight
on Thursday 17th September, restrictions were introduced in the north-east aimed at halting the
rise in coronavirus cases. Then, the next day, similar measures were announced for large parts of
Lancashire while Yorkshire and the Midlands were also seeing restrictions.
The responsibility lies with local authorities meaning there can be inconsistencies in different regions.
A joint-statement from the Northumberland FA and the Durham FA confirmed football below Step
6 in the Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside areas is not allowed, but said clubs at Step 6
and above can play on for now although there is a possibility the 30 per cent capacities could be
reduced back to 15 per cent.
As part of the measures, people are “advised not to attend amateur or semi-professional sporting
events as a spectator”, which has only added to a confusing picture.
Where the latest restrictions leaves football remains to be seen but never has it been more important
for clubs and particularly fans from Step 3 and below to follow the rules and protocols in order to
keep stadiums open. Fans must cooperate with social distancing at games – clubs do not have the
finance to deploy an army of stewards to make sure they are doing so at all times during games.

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