The Coronavirus and its impact on sport/Fans Return (Merged)

[pillred]

1 hour ago, Super said:

Did anyone really think this would happen. I dont think fans will be back this season.

Wouldn't?? happen.

[pillred]

1 hour ago, S25loyal said:

I didn’t , I can’t remember the poster but there was one on here who was adamant we would be back to full crowds by now as his missus works at south mead and covid was gone etc. 

I genuinely believe we won’t see crowds at Ashton gate for a good couple of years. 

Well if that happens I can't see there being a Bristol City to watch in two years, how long do you think Steve Lansdown will be prepared to bankroll us and the bears?

[Mr Popodopolous]

Meanwhile in Germany...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8754851/German-football-fans-rejoice-return-Bundesliga-stadiums-time-Covid-19.html

Of course, if cases rise there then back behind closed doors most likely but and yes no alcohol, no away fans, no standing (Union Berlin seemed to get some dispensation as most of their ground standing), up to 20% capacity.

Edited September 22, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[Super]

13 minutes ago, pillred said:

Wouldn't?? happen.

I meant getting crowds back in.

[downendcity]

51 minutes ago, pillred said:

Well if that happens I can't see there being a Bristol City to watch in two years, how long do you think Steve Lansdown will be prepared to bankroll us and the bears?

If this carries on for another 2 years I doubt there would be any other teams left for us to play,even if SL continued to bankroll the club! 

[TonyTonyTony]

22 minutes ago, downendcity said:

If this carries on for another 2 years I doubt there would be any other teams left for us to play,even if SL continued to bankroll the club! 

It is terrible. How many of the L2/L2/NL clubs are going to survive is beyond me. Maybe a solidarity fund from the PL clubs, but i cant see them doing it - they rather spunk 50M on players. If clubs do go to the wall, and the PL keep paying 200 grand a week and spending on transfers i will be disgusted. Football is our national game and must survive. The government wont help, so its either the fans / philanthropic owners or PL step in. 

[CyderInACan]

5 minutes ago, TonyTonyTony said:

It is terrible. How many of the L2/L2/NL clubs are going to survive is beyond me. Maybe a solidarity fund from the PL clubs, but i cant see them doing it - they rather spunk 50M on players. If clubs do go to the wall, and the PL keep paying 200 grand a week and spending on transfers i will be disgusted. Football is our national game and must survive. The government wont help, so its either the fans / philanthropic owners or PL step in. 

Maybe there should be a solidarity levy on all transfer fees paid by Prem clubs - say 5% - that is redistributed throughout the leagues.

If the money-go-round in the Prem continues unabated that would be an absolute disgrace. 

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Meanwhile in Germany...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8754851/German-football-fans-rejoice-return-Bundesliga-stadiums-time-Covid-19.html

Of course, if cases rise there then back behind closed doors most likely but and yes no alcohol, no away fans, no standing (Union Berlin seemed to get some dispensation as most of their ground standing), up to 20% capacity.

Big difference.

They are run by professionals & respect qualifications (we used to mock Germans for their “Herr Docktor Professor” titles, well no more).

Whereas we are a ******* shambles, fancy a job running track & trace? Any relevant experience? Don’t be silly, I ****** up at TalkTalk but do know a lot about horses & am married to a Tory MP..

There is a link between competence & Covid deaths and we are the equivalent of the gas in the league tables..

Edited September 22, 2020 by GrahamC

[Loco Rojo]

This is hugely frustrating (and damaging to clubs/sport) but i understand why given the numbers are increasing. I agree it's the right thing to do, however the situation is made harder to accept when there are so many inconsistencies from the governments rules.

Unfortunately though we're in the middle of a pandemic and now in a second wave, so it would be crazy to encourage fans back in - even if in smaller numbers.

Clubs might be able to demonstrate they can sit fans apart in the stands but unfortunately people aren't robots and some just don't get it and are likely to move around to sit closer to each other (I doubt the club will pay marshal's to police it so therefore i don't beleive it can be managed safely). Add in getting to and from the seats where clearly some fans won't (or can't) socially distant and suddenly the ability for this to be done safely reduces even further to the point where actually this could make a situation worse.

Unfortunately there are too many people that have taken the piss since lockdown relaxed and the reality is this has contributed to making it worse for everyone (it's so frustrating for those that have been careful). Yes, I know the Government have made a shambles of this too but bloody hell, most people know what socially distance means and should take responsibility for their actions and not blame others. Unfortunately we live in a society now where people need to be handheld through life and it's always someone else's fault.

[downendcity]

25 minutes ago, TonyTonyTony said:

It is terrible. How many of the L2/L2/NL clubs are going to survive is beyond me. Maybe a solidarity fund from the PL clubs, but i cant see them doing it - they rather spunk 50M on players. If clubs do go to the wall, and the PL keep paying 200 grand a week and spending on transfers i will be disgusted. Football is our national game and must survive. The government wont help, so its either the fans / philanthropic owners or PL step in. 

Perhaps we will end up with what PL owners have long wanted -  no relegation- as there won’t  be any other leagues to which clubs can be relegated or from which clubs can be promoted.

It will be like footballs' equivalent of the “closed shop” NFL. 

[Davefevs]

52 minutes ago, TonyTonyTony said:

It is terrible. How many of the L2/L2/NL clubs are going to survive is beyond me. Maybe a solidarity fund from the PL clubs, but i cant see them doing it - they rather spunk 50M on players. If clubs do go to the wall, and the PL keep paying 200 grand a week and spending on transfers i will be disgusted. Football is our national game and must survive. The government wont help, so its either the fans / philanthropic owners or PL step in. 

Not having a go at you Triple-T, but why does everyone always suggest it’s the PL that should bail out the EFL clubs?

Why not the EFL itself, or the FA, or the PFA?

[The Humble Realist]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Not having a go at you Triple-T, but why does everyone always suggest it’s the PL that should bail out the EFL clubs?

Why not the EFL itself, or the FA, or the PFA?

Because prem clubs are shelling out for bale , thiago, sancho, jota at the same time as the announcement today. 

Unfortunately it's a dog eat dog world so I wont hold my breath

 

Dark times ahead 

[phantom]

30 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Big difference.

They are run by professionals & respect qualifications (we used to mock Germans for their “Herr Docktor Professor” titles, well no more).

Whereas we are a ******* shambles, fancy a job running track & trace? Any relevant experience? Don’t be silly, I ****** up at TalkTalk but do know a lot about horses & am married to a Tory MP..

There is a link between competence & Covid deaths and we are the equivalent of the gas in the league tables..

I've no idea what was originally said in this post, but please keep political comments to the politics section

One thing that I will wait to see what happens with, it is the return of supporters from October that has been postponed.

It doesn't specify whether the current test events will cease. 

They are two massively different things

[Clevedon Red]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

 

Every bugger in the country knows the names of Harry Potter’s parents!!!

Was Lee Johnson one of them?

13 minutes ago, phantom said:

I've no idea what was originally said in this post, but please keep political comments to the politics section

One thing that I will wait to see what happens with, it is the return of supporters from October that has been postponed.

It doesn't specify whether the current test events will cease. 

They are two massively different things

Bath rugby have stopped their test event tonight and will play behind closed doors.

Edited September 22, 2020 by Clevedon Red

[redordead1]

10 minutes ago, phantom said:

I've no idea what was originally said in this post, but please keep political comments to the politics section

One thing that I will wait to see what happens with, it is the return of supporters from October that has been postponed.

It doesn't specify whether the current test events will cease. 

They are two massively different things

No offence, but it’s like you’re living in an alternative reality. What do you expect will happen to the test events?

Edited September 22, 2020 by redordead1

[Portland Bill]

14 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Not having a go at you Triple-T, but why does everyone always suggest it’s the PL that should bail out the EFL clubs?

Why not the EFL itself, or the FA, or the PFA?

I’m not up to date on money spent on transfers by every club, but Chelsea have spent an absolute fortune recently. It makes my blood boil that Chelsea and other Prem clubs are still spending fortunes, whilst teams further down the pyramid are really struggling. The Premier league is where all the cash is, they need to have a look at what they are doing, and the message they are sending out. 

[phantom]

7 minutes ago, redordead1 said:

No offence, but it’s like you’re living in an alternative reality. What do you expect will happen to the test events?

Do you honestly think test events won't occur at some point?

[elhombrecito]

STATEMENT: LEICESTER TIGERS PILOT FIXTURE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND 2020

Bristol Bears regret to confirm that, following government advice, the Gallagher Premiership fixture versus Leicester Tigers will now be played behind closed doors. 

The round 21 game had been allocated as a test event to pilot the safe return of 1,000 spectators, adhering to strict social distancing measures. 

The club apologises for any inconvenience caused to those who claimed a ticket in the ballot and we thank our supporters for your continued patience and backing as we work tirelessly to see the safe return of crowds to Ashton Gate in the future.

[TonyTonyTony]

29 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Not having a go at you Triple-T, but why does everyone always suggest it’s the PL that should bail out the EFL clubs?

Why not the EFL itself, or the FA, or the PFA?

I doubt the EFL / PFA have the money. I agree re the FA - they should step in but the PL is where the cash is. We are in unprecedented times - they should make a contribution to saving clubs going out of business - call it morality if you want

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, The Humble Realist said:

Because prem clubs are shelling out for bale , thiago, sancho, jota at the same time as the announcement today. 

Unfortunately it's a dog eat dog world so I wont hold my breath

 

Dark times ahead 

I’m not disagreeing, just asking why nobody points the finger at any other bodies for support.

37 minutes ago, TonyTonyTony said:

I doubt the EFL / PFA have the money. I agree re the FA - they should step in but the PL is where the cash is. We are in unprecedented times - they should make a contribution to saving clubs going out of business - call it morality if you want

yes, agreed, PFA have about £5m....can’t find EFL money, but FA have circa £400m!

[Eastside Moonwalker]

You won't be seeing any fans in stadiums until at least Autumn 2021. Not in any real number anyway. 

[phantom]

1 hour ago, Eastside Moonwalker said:

You won't be seeing any fans in stadiums until at least Autumn 2021. Not in any real number anyway. 

You forgot to start with "In my opinion"....

[MarcusX]

6 hours ago, wayne allisons tongues said:

Also from today in North West area, semi pro and amateur sports aren’t allowed spectators.

I can see this causing unfairness across the levels. Teams vying for promotion/relegation into national leagues where half the teams have had crowds and income? Teams within the same league where some of them have income and others dont? Doesn't seem a fair scenario to me.

See Merthyr Town situation announced before this latest news. They've had to pull out of the league due to the latest restrictions in Wales meaning they were the only club at step 3 not allowed to play infront of their crowd.

 

 

6 hours ago, Chappers said:

I thought that for the first time, this Government might actually be sensible, and realise that restricted attendances at League One and below will be perfectly safe and manageable, and keep the clubs afloat. Championship may be a bit more difficult, but should be achievable, albeit with a low percentage.

I just find it odd that I can’t watch Bath City safely in a socially distanced manner, in a crowd of <1,000, but could drink from 7am to 10pm in a Wetherspoons.

I'd hardly call it "perfectly" safe and manageable. No system that relies on the compliance of the general public will be perfectly safe.

At a time when the government are telling people they are socialising too much you can't then go and have crowds back at sporting events. It's not just the game it's the whole culture, in the pub before and after, mixing with other groups around the ground, some will travel to away games and try and get in/get tickets.

Not sure of the comparison with Spoons, if you're sat in a pub you should be sat at a table with your group only and not mixing with anyone else?

[Chappers]

49 minutes ago, MarcusX said:

I can see this causing unfairness across the levels. Teams vying for promotion/relegation into national leagues where half the teams have had crowds and income? Teams within the same league where some of them have income and others dont? Doesn't seem a fair scenario to me.

See Merthyr Town situation announced before this latest news. They've had to pull out of the league due to the latest restrictions in Wales meaning they were the only club at step 3 not allowed to play infront of their crowd.

 

 

I'd hardly call it "perfectly" safe and manageable. No system that relies on the compliance of the general public will be perfectly safe.

At a time when the government are telling people they are socialising too much you can't then go and have crowds back at sporting events. It's not just the game it's the whole culture, in the pub before and after, mixing with other groups around the ground, some will travel to away games and try and get in/get tickets.

Not sure of the comparison with Spoons, if you're sat in a pub you should be sat at a table with your group only and not mixing with anyone else?

Think you’ve massively missed the point, you can’t have large crowds, but you have to look at L1, L2 and particularly, National League. There is absolutely no reason why you cannot have limited attendances at that level, a whole lot safer than sitting in a pub, no mask, and closer contact. And indoors where the virus spreads a lot more. 

Germany seems to manage well. 

[Super]

8 minutes ago, Chappers said:

Think you’ve massively missed the point, you can’t have large crowds, but you have to look at L1, L2 and particularly, National League. There is absolutely no reason why you cannot have limited attendances at that level, a whole lot safer than sitting in a pub, no mask, and closer contact. And indoors where the virus spreads a lot more. 

Germany seems to manage well. 

Germany probably have a testing system that works.

[Chappers]

1 minute ago, Super said:

Germany probably have a testing system that works.

I think what really annoyed me was Gove, stating that he had seen Arsenal fans, so knew all about football. The break point should be questioned, what level can be played safely, what crowd limit balances business v risk, what does the science say, could it be done with ST holders only? Actually try and make it happen, safely.

[Eastside Moonwalker]

1 hour ago, phantom said:

You forgot to start with "In my opinion"....

In my opinion thank you 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Interesting comment below the line on the BBC article.

Quote

Spoke with my local MP on a virtual town hall meeting the other day and he said forget about any fans in ground until the new year at the earliest.

 

Edited September 22, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[Wrongagain]

4 hours ago, elhombrecito said:

STATEMENT: LEICESTER TIGERS PILOT FIXTURE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND 2020

Bristol Bears regret to confirm that, following government advice, the Gallagher Premiership fixture versus Leicester Tigers will now be played behind closed doors. 

The round 21 game had been allocated as a test event to pilot the safe return of 1,000 spectators, adhering to strict social distancing measures. 

The club apologises for any inconvenience caused to those who claimed a ticket in the ballot and we thank our supporters for your continued patience and backing as we work tirelessly to see the safe return of crowds to Ashton Gate in the future.

And some say our owner favours egg chasers, now it turns out that a Johnson is in charge and has it in for us all! No favouritism at all! 

[man in the middle]

National league football season now suspended due to no crowds being able to attend& teams unable to afford to put on games. Something needs to bend or many clubs will go under:-(