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

[Guest]

I went to the football last weekend here in Germany in the lower leagues. 

Have to sit 4 seats away from the person you're with (this rule was broken by many people), wear masks up until you're in the seat etc.

All the usual outside things such as food stalls which are common place in lower german football wasn't there. 

 

Capacity was maybe 300 max, probably even less

[phantom]

Fans may be allowed to attend Arsenal's home Premier League fixture against Sheffield United on 3 October.

The Gunners hope they will be able to have supporters inside Emirates Stadium on a reduced capacity basis in line with UK government guidelines.

Initially, only gold season ticket holders and premium members will have priority access to tickets.

Football has been played behind closed doors since its return after the coronavirus lockdown.

Arsenal play West Ham United on 20 September in their first home game of the new season but it will be played without fans.

The north London club said they hope "to be able to safely increase the capacity" during the 2020-21 campaign, which starts on 12 September.

TAKEN FROM: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53997887

[RedLionLad]

14 hours ago, Eastside Moonwalker said:

I went to the football last weekend here in Germany in the lower leagues. 

Have to sit 4 seats away from the person you're with (this rule was broken by many people), wear masks up until you're in the seat etc.

All the usual outside things such as food stalls which are common place in lower german football wasn't there. 

 

Capacity was maybe 300 max, probably even less

What about seats in front and behind?

[Mr Popodopolous]

15 hours ago, Eastside Moonwalker said:

I went to the football last weekend here in Germany in the lower leagues. 

Have to sit 4 seats away from the person you're with (this rule was broken by many people), wear masks up until you're in the seat etc.

All the usual outside things such as food stalls which are common place in lower german football wasn't there. 

 

Capacity was maybe 300 max, probably even less

Sounds about right- what % of capacity was it, about 20%?

I note that plans to restart the Bundesliga and Bundesliga II with fans- but certainly the Bundesliga ie the top division- along similar lines, basically didn't come to pass. Can't remember the social distancing suggested but I remember reading about no alcohol, no standing areas etc and of course I assume, limited capacity in seats.

Edited September 2, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Sounds about right- what % of capacity was it, about 20%?

I note that plans to restart the Bundesliga and Bundesliga II with fans- but certainly the Bundesliga ie the top division- along similar lines, basically didn't come to pass. Can't remember the social distancing suggested but I remember reading about no alcohol, no standing areas etc and of course I assume, limited capacity in seats.

Small team I'd say was more like 10% max. Was a friendlz and was not a good game 

 

10 hours ago, RedLionLad said:

What about seats in front and behind?

Was 4 to the left/right and 2 diagonally in any direction

[Silvio Dante]

Cambridge’s first league game of the season allowing 2500 fans in:

English Football League: Fans to watch fixtures at Cambridge United as test events https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54014149

[Never to the dark side]

https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2020/september/read--efl-statement-fans-to-return-to-efl-matches/

Edited September 3, 2020 by Never to the dark side

[Davefevs]

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/season-cards-update/

[Mr Popodopolous]

Hmm, things moving a bit quicker than assumed!

Good news.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Tottenham- though I doubt this will happen for some time but who knows!

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/sep/03/tottenham-hope-to-host-test-event-in-front-of-31000-supporters

Seems they would hope to test event in front of 50% attendance.

Quote

The club’s chairman, Daniel Levy, made the proposal at the Premier League shareholders meeting, saying he hoped that 50% of the ground’s capacity could be used. It would be impossible to socially distance such numbers but he believes that they could still be accommodated safely.

At the very least, Levy wants to look into it – with support from the government. He has previously said that he wants to explore scientific and technological solutions to pave the way for supporters to return; possibly digital health passports and smartphone applications.

The government has been hopeful that some fans will be able to come back from 1 October but it is understood that Levy would like the trial at the Tottenham stadium to take place as soon as possible.

Once more I don't see those numbers as feasible for a while but who knows!

Digital health passports I remember being mentioned a few months ago- applicable to football and various other areas. Smartphone applications could be a goer but privacy vs health risk? afeguarding?

Edited September 4, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[phantom]

another move in the right direction 

[MarcusX]

As much as I want it, I just can’t Imagine a typical match day experience that remains safe. It’s easier to do at non league level as most is open air, less stands etc

How can you have thousands of people entering turn styles and congregating in concourses? Sharing toilets etc

Dont forget we’re still only meant to be inside with one other household at the moment (although that’s not being adhered to at all).

Only way I can see big crowds allowed in league stadiums is if there’s a big change in the general message from the government.

Theres already schools closing because a handful of teachers test positive. I really want to get back to watching football I just can’t get my head around it happening at the moment.

[Johnny Musicworks]

Social gatherings of more than 6 to be banned in England has been announced by the Government tonight. Even limited crowds back in grounds looking unlikely in October or anytime soon sadly. 

[Alex_BCFC]

No chance of going back to proper football anytime soon - just can't get that excited about it watching games from home. Real sh*tshow!

[WessexPest]

8 minutes ago, Alex_BCFC said:

No chance of going back to proper football anytime soon - just can't get that excited about it watching games from home. Real sh*tshow!

As it stands I cannot see supporters being back in grounds at all this season, and it could be years until anything approaching full houses are allowed again.

Expect the decision to spread the European Championships throughout the continent to be reconsidered as the northern hemisphere enters the colder months as well.

Edited September 8, 2020 by WessexPest

[A Horse With No Name]

Knowing what we know now, its interesting reading the first couple of pages of this thread, from February.

Edited September 8, 2020 by The Horse With No Name

[Dynamite Red]

27 minutes ago, The Horse With No Name said:

Knowing what we know now, its interesting reading the first couple of pages of this thread, from February.

Agreed, some posters have been made to look rather foolish with their statements in hindsight.

[Mr Popodopolous]

It would feel somewhat incongruous if fans were permitted back and at the same time, social gatherings of more than 6 banned.

Yet, is it possible for the two policies to be out at the same time. Maybe. As in no group larger than six in the ground, but fans nonetheless allowed in, socially distanced and subject to all the conditions?

[The Journalist]

2 hours ago, Dynamite Red said:

Agreed, some posters have been made to look rather foolish with their statements in hindsight.

And probably less so the statements themselves but the sheer arrogance with which they were made.

We all have 20/20 vision when looking with hindsight, but it does serve as a good warning to think twice before posting on a public forum.

As I said on page four, the number of self-appointed experts at that point was pretty staggering!

[Mr Popodopolous]

When this thread was posted, according to Worldometer there were about or just under 80,000 cases globally on the most recent completed day- transport yourself back in time, from a layman's perspective- is that such a major concern?

2,460 deaths. Obviously a tragedy for each individual and family.

Staggering how it's grown since- latest count is 27,733,330 cases and 901,822 deaths.

Reading the first 4-5 pages- some posts are pretty prescient- some have not aged well at all! Some are along the right lines but possibly a bit OTT on the doom laden side, though this thing is far from over and if it mutates in a bad way...?

Edited September 9, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[East Londoner]

I know this is the sun and should possibly be taken with a pinch of salt although it’s also what I’ve been saying for months, but it’s now saying the first Covid victim in this country died at Christmas, this changes the established timeline considerably and therefore April to June could easily have been this second wave we keep hearing about 

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/12618638/british-dad-coronavirus-christmas-china/

[Olé]

6 hours ago, The Horse With No Name said:

Knowing what we know now, its interesting reading the first couple of pages of this thread, from February.

Probably like others I revisited this thread this morning having seen the BBC website headline on limiting social gatherings again. With a bit of time to spare prompted by your remark I decided to re-read the first 5-10 pages.

An interesting history lesson for sure. To be fair while there are a few cynics (but quite a small number by OTIB standards!) I'm impressed by quite how many regular posters on here called this fairly accurately from day one.

I must admit I had no idea what would happen back in February, but the sense I get from most who had posted back then is consistent with what we've since lived through. Credit where it's due rather than bashing posters.

[Oh Louie louie]

I just heard on the radio, they are letting in 3 thousand, i think, in doncaster races today.

 

[The Humble Realist]

I think we will do well if fans are regularly back in stadiums at the end of October onwards .

Not because of the current numbers but because how the numbers will be trending come the time. They're only likely to get worse as winter comes unfortunately. 

Going to be a tough few months as up to now the weather has been a real friend (generally) in allowing people to regularly meet outdoors where it is much safer. 

 

[MC RISK77]

8 hours ago, Dynamite Red said:

Agreed, some posters have been made to look rather foolish with their statements in hindsight.

Absolutely- lots of drivel on the first 15 pages.

So where are we at the moment, I don’t profess to monitoring stats or the ONS report, but with cases rising across many European countries and more regionalised lockdowns in place, a vaccine looking unlikely this year, are we at a point where we almost need this thing to pass through the population now before we can get back out the other side? I have heard some people I work with say their doctors have told them that at some point everyone will get covid.

is herd immunity now almost inevitable and we just need to shield the vulnerable as best we can? I understand this was the governments initial approach to coming out of covid the quickest and with the least impact to the economy( which I am not endorsing btw). 

Be interested in other thoughts.

[phantom]

2 hours ago, The Humble Realist said:

I think we will do well if fans are regularly back in stadiums at the end of October onwards .

Not because of the current numbers but because how the numbers will be trending come the time. They're only likely to get worse as winter comes unfortunately. 

Going to be a tough few months as up to now the weather has been a real friend (generally) in allowing people to regularly meet outdoors where it is much safer. 

 

October is still the target, and all test events are going well

People in stadiums is a long way from the restrictions being re-applied at present

Is there any proof Covid will get worse in bad weather? What will occur is people will get flu etc

50 minutes ago, MC RISK77 said:

Absolutely- lots of drivel on the first 15 pages.

So where are we at the moment, I don’t profess to monitoring stats or the ONS report, but with cases rising across many European countries and more regionalised lockdowns in place, a vaccine looking unlikely this year, are we at a point where we almost need this thing to pass through the population now before we can get back out the other side? I have heard some people I work with say their doctors have told them that at some point everyone will get covid.

is herd immunity now almost inevitable and we just need to shield the vulnerable as best we can? I understand this was the governments initial approach to coming out of covid the quickest and with the least impact to the economy( which I am not endorsing btw). 

Be interested in other thoughts.

Important to remember there is a thread to discuss the actual virus and this is discussing the impact on sport

But testing has increased massively, and number of people passing away is still low compared to these numbers.

It will never be zero deaths in the near future, just a case of controlling it now

[phantom]

The Premier League is back on 12 September and there is hope for the gradual return of fans from the start of October.

Initially, the English top flight will continue behind closed doors - just as it finished last season because of the coronavirus pandemic, having resumed in June after a three-month enforced break.

Any return of fans will depend on the success of government trials to assess the safety of fans returning to matches. A pre-season test event saw Brighton play Chelsea in front of 2,500 supporters at the Amex Stadium.

But with no fans currently allowed in for league matches, and capacity likely to be limited when they do return, what are the consequences for season-ticket holders across the 20 Premier League clubs? BBC Sport has taken a look and found:

• Several clubs have opted not to put season tickets on sale yet, or at all, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle
• Some clubs will run a ballot scheme for season ticket holders if/when crowds are partially allowed to return, including Arsenal, Leicester, West Ham and Brighton
• Clubs are offering a variety of refund, credit, or pro-rata payment schemes to reimburse season ticket holders for games they have paid for and cannot attend

Here's a club by club guide:

Arsenal

Arsenal gold season-ticket holders and premium members need to make an initial payment to renew and that will see them go into a ballot for reduced capacity games - when supporters are allowed back into stadiums.

There is also the option to take a season-ticket holiday and, those that do, will retain the option to renew "if/once we return to full capacity in the 2020-21 season" or if they "want to wait until the 2021-22 season before returning".

"The initial payment is equivalent to the behind-closed-doors credit and any unused cup tie credits (general admission only) from the 2019-20 season," added a statement on the Arsenal website.

Groups can enter a ballot as long as they adhere to government guidelines on mixing households, while the club's ticket transfer service can be used for those unable to attend.

Aston Villa

Villa have not put any season tickets on sale yet and will inform supporters of the way they will allocate seats as and when plans for the return of fans are formalised.

Brighton

Brighton have a 12-month rolling contract for their 23,000 season-ticket holders which renews in February, with the first payment taken in April. During lockdown, fans paid for renewals for this season but could take a three-month payment holiday if they wanted.

Payments have been frozen, and the money already paid towards this season will be converted into a cash balance from which - if fans can return - Brighton will take the cost of a ticket from those selected to attend games via an automatic ballot. Any credit left can be used towards the 2021-22 season ticket payment.

Clinically vulnerable fans can opt out for the season, while everyone else has six opt outs from the automatic ballot. If, having used their opt outs, fans are selected in the ballot and do not want to go, then they can list their ticket for resale.

Burnley

Season-ticket sales at Burnley are believed to be at a similar level to last season, having gone on sale in March.

The club are finalising all options regarding refunds and how they will allocate tickets when capacity is reduced. They expect to announce their policy next week.

Chelsea

Season tickets at Chelsea have not gone on sale for this season yet. The club will announce their policy, which will include directives on the possible return of fans, once a decision has been made.

Crystal Palace

Palace have only recently started their season-ticket renewal process. Any season tickets not taken up will be put on general sale. Their prices are reduced from last season's by the equivalent of two games as they will play two home matches before any possible return of fans in October.

Fans with credit on their accounts can use it towards the cost of the 2020-21 season ticket.

If and when supporters are allowed to attend games, Palace will allocate tickets and take the pro-rata value off the season ticket of those given a seat. If fans do not want to attend, they can sell them to another season-ticket holder or member via the club's resale system.

Anyone in credit at the end of the season can use it towards their 2021-22 season ticket. Fans who are shielding can pay £200 to hold their seat, with the cost going towards their 2021-22 season ticket.

Everton

Everton's season-ticket renewal window closed on Tuesday, 28 July. Renewals surpassed 30,500 for the first time in the club's history. The figure equated to a renewal rate of 98%.

The club add that season-ticket members will be able to claim a pro-rata refund for any fixtures that take place behind closed doors or fixtures they are not entitled to attend. They also plan to provide further details on the pro-rata refund process in due course.

Information on any return of fans to Goodison Park will be provided when available, with the club considering letting in family/social bubbles as an option.

Fulham

Fulham are not running a renewal process for season tickets for the 2020-21 season.

With the possibility that fans may be able to return at a reduced capacity from October, there will be a ballot, with 2019-20 season ticket holders initially given priority.

Leeds United

Yet to respond.

Leicester City

Leicester City fans can renew season tickets with a fixed initial payment, which can be used against the pro-rata cost when full capacity resumes.

If Premier League matches are played with a reduced capacity, tickets will be allocated via a ballot process by the club. Season ticket holders will get 90% of the general admission tickets available, with members getting the other 10%.

Any credit left on accounts will be rolled over to use for the 2021-22 campaign.

Liverpool

Liverpool have temporarily suspended season ticket sales for the 2020-21 season. The club will initially sell tickets for games on a match-by-match basis, if and when fans are allowed back, with this to be reviewed before the end of the year.

The club will issue further details for the purchase of seats by season-ticket holders and qualifying official members once there is more clarification as to how the season will proceed.

"These changes mean supporters will only pay for games they are able to attend rather than making upfront payments and, once government guidelines allow for people to return to stadiums, reassure those fans who may not want to attend matches straight away," said a Liverpool statement.

Manchester City

There are no season tickets at Manchester City for the 2020-21 season but they are offering last year's season-ticket holders the chance to enter a ballot.

More details on that are expected soon and, anyone who does not want to enter the ballot will be unaffected when it comes to renewing for 2021-22.

Manchester United

"We are committed to offering our fans support and flexibility as we finalise our season ticket plans for the year ahead," said a Manchester United spokesperson.

"For matches where there is restricted capacity, tickets will be distributed in a fair and equitable way. Finally, our overall priority is to create a safe environment at the stadium for fans, players and staff. Details will be announced soon."

Newcastle United

Newcastle United have not yet put up any season tickets for sale.

The club say they will not be issuing refunds to supporters on "long-term price-freeze deals who have already paid for their 2020-21 season ticket in full or have made part payment".

They added, "the position will be reviewed when further information is known about supporter access for the 2020-21 season" but those who are in credit can use their funds to buy tickets for the new campaign.

Sheffield United

Season tickets at Sheffield United have not gone on sale for the 2020-21 campaign.

However, when and if they do, season-ticket holders from last season will have a pro-rata credit from the final four home league fixtures of the 2019-20 campaign.

If and when crowds are allowed in, who gets tickets is under discussion, both at club level and with officials from the Premier League. A final decision has not been made.

Southampton

Southampton have currently surpassed 80% of their 2019-20 total in season ticket sales, which is above what the club anticipated given the situation and uncertainty. Fans who also had pro-rata credit have had it applied to their accounts for the final four home games of last season where applicable.

They have frozen prices and offered a £35 club voucher to those that renew as well as introducing a three-month instalment plan to pay.

Southampton will provide a pro-rata refund for any fixture played without fans, with season-ticket holders receiving priority for any ballot allocation should fans return at a reduced capacity.

Tottenham

Tottenham season-ticket holders need to make an initial payment of 20% to renew and, while this includes "all the benefits of a One Hotspur+ Membership", this is non-refundable.

Those that renew will be able to enter a "fair and even-handed" ballot for when fans can return at a reduced capacity.

For fans who cannot attend because of coronavirus-related medical circumstances, Spurs say "they may make the initial payment of 20% and apply to have their seat reserved for the following season". The initial payment will go towards the cost of their 2021-22 season ticket.

West Brom

Yet to respond.

West Ham

West Ham are understood to have seen strong season-ticket renewal rates in the lead-up to this coming Friday's deadline.

They have given fans three options for renewing. The first is to renew, while the second is to renew and transfer a season ticket to a family member or friend for either part or the whole of the season. Those renewing will be put into an automatic ballot for if and when fans can return at a reduced capacity.

If not selected in the ballot, West Ham will automatically refund the pro-rata value of the match to the season ticket holder's account.

Option three is to pay 30% of the cost of a season ticket. Those that do this will not go into the automatic ballot but, once 70% or more capacity is allowed for Premier League matches, they will have the option to purchase the remaining pro-rota value of their season ticket. If they choose not to, then the 30% payment can be used towards a season ticket for the 2021-22 season.

Wolves

Wolves have not put any season tickets on sale, and plan to communicate to fans how this season will work regarding tickets in the coming weeks.

FSA statement

The Football Supporters' Association said: "Every club will face different circumstances but the FSA believes it is crucial that supporters' groups receive genuine consultation from clubs in relation to season ticket pricing and policy.

"Season ticket holders should all have equal opportunity in any 'phased return' ticket ballot, while we would also like to see clubs make provisions for away fans and concessionary tickets.

"Pro-rata refund policies should be clear at the outset and no fan should be punished if they are unable to attend football because of underlying health concerns or financial issues."

 

TAKEN FROM: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54019867

[David Brent]

Memorial Stadium opening soon then?

[frenchred]

5 hours ago, phantom said:

October is still the target, and all test events are going well

People in stadiums is a long way from the restrictions being re-applied at present

Is there any proof Covid will get worse in bad weather? What will occur is people will get flu etc

Important to remember there is a thread to discuss the actual virus and this is discussing the impact on sport

But testing has increased massively, and number of people passing away is still low compared to these numbers.

It will never be zero deaths in the near future, just a case of controlling it now

You might wanna rethink your "all test events are going well" statement in light of the horse racing announcement today!

[phantom]

41 minutes ago, frenchred said:

You might wanna rethink your "all test events are going well" statement in light of the horse racing announcement today!

That was a local decision, not related to anything National changing

Just announced that there will be a trial in Salford for people to be tested and then venues will know if they are safe to attend within 24 hours.

Once this trial is up and running succesfully, this will be rolled out around the country

[TonyTonyTony]

12 minutes ago, phantom said:

Once this trial is up and running succesfully, this will be rolled out around the country

.....from the government who said they would have the tracing app up and running and it will be world class...

 

[Kingswood Robin]

If the chart the BBC has presented on confirmed cases is correct, if no action is taken, we could be up at April levels in 5/6 weeks time. Crowds at matches from October doesn't really sit with that.

 

[Super]

10 minutes ago, Kingswood Robin said:

If the chart the BBC has presented on confirmed cases is correct, if no action is taken, we could be up at April levels in 5/6 weeks time. Crowds at matches from October doesn't really sit with that.

 

I don't see any chance in it being this year now.

[Chappers]

Doncaster races behind closed doors for rest of week, and plans for trialing fans at sport ‘under review’. Once Dominic has decided, that useless pipsqueak of a sports minister will tell us.
Not looking good at all

But please cram onto public transport to go to your offices!

[phantom]

2 minutes ago, Chappers said:

Doncaster races behind closed doors for rest of week, and plans for trialing fans at sport ‘under review’. Once Dominic has decided, that useless pipsqueak of a sports minister will tell us.
Not looking good at all

But please cram onto public transport to go to your offices!

The racing was affected by a spike in numbers around the Doncaster area, nothing Nationally related.

Test events HAVEN'T been cancelled, they just have to reapply for permission

[Chappers]

12 minutes ago, phantom said:

The racing was affected by a spike in numbers around the Doncaster area, nothing Nationally related.

Test events HAVEN'T been cancelled, they just have to reapply for permission

I didn’t say they had, just ‘under review’. We shall see, but can’t say I’m optimistic as there are quite a few local spikes.

Edited September 9, 2020 by Chappers

[phantom]

2 minutes ago, Chappers said:

I didn’t say they had, just ‘under review’.

Just clarifying the point you made

[Chappers]

2 minutes ago, phantom said:

Just clarifying the point you made

No worries, all very vague right now. On the BBC Sport site

 

[MarcusX]

I don’t think today’s “news” affects the sports attendance as much as it might seem.

The limit on groups of people outdoors was already 6 (unless all from no more than 2 households).

This change might actually help sport attendance because firstly, it will be in a “covid secure” environment e.g risk assessments, social distancing in place, etc etc same way pubs and gyms can operate still.

At present if 15 lads turned up together to watch football (thinking non league for example), the law has no power to split them up. Now there’s clear law in place that only groups of 6 regardless of the makeup of that group can attend together and if they persist on breaking the law, they can be split up.

All that said, I can see the outrage from people being told their family of 5 can only meet one grandparent while 3000 people attend a football match in the same way people are highlighting work/pubs/public transport etc. It doesn’t send out the right message to get people on side if on one hand you’re saying people are socialising too much - then the other saying it’s safe for thousands of people to attend a football match.

Someone pointed out the early posts and looking back, hold my hands up fully I never expected us to be in this situation at all. Can’t remember if/what I may have posted but I thought this would pass very quickly, remember texting a mate saying no chance the Euros would be cancelled get those flights booked!

[phantom]

Just announced that test events in the short term will be capped to 1,000 people

Interesting as the racing today had 2,500, and tomorrow was going to be 6,000

[Mr Popodopolous]

The latest BBC article on it- and will pull out a few key bits.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/5409436

Quote

Plans for spectators to attend sporting events in England from 1 October are to be reviewed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.

Johnson, speaking at a Downing Street news conference, also said pilot events in September would be restricted to 1,000 fans with social distancing measures in place.

“We must revise plans to pilot larger audiences in venues later this month and review our intention to return audiences to stadiums from 1 October," said Johnson.

"But that doesn't mean we are going to scrap the programme entirely.

“We are just going to have to review it and abridge it."

 

Edited September 9, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[Lanterne Rouge]

I was listening to the cricket on 5live today and the commentators were being very downbeat about it. I appreciate the cricket season is almost over but they were resigned to no crowds for the T20 which they were hoping would be allowed.

[BS4 on Tour...]

23 hours ago, The Horse With No Name said:

Knowing what we know now, its interesting reading the first couple of pages of this thread, from February.

Agreed, especially when there were posts from the one who claimed extensive knowledge of what was going on in China and everything was apparently getting back to normal over there way back at the start of the year so there was basically nothing to worry about - what an idiot ...

[Lydered]

22 minutes ago, BS4 on Tour... said:

Agreed, especially when there were posts from the one who claimed extensive knowledge of what was going on in China and everything was apparently getting back to normal over there way back at the start of the year so there was basically nothing to worry about - what an idiot ...

Can't remember his name off the top of my head....Dave?

[Lrrr]

16 minutes ago, Lydered said:

Can't remember his name off the top of my head....Dave?

RedDave aka and it’s Smith now as you can see by the quoted posts having their old username 

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said:

Agreed, especially when there were posts from the one who claimed extensive knowledge of what was going on in China and everything was apparently getting back to normal over there way back at the start of the year so there was basically nothing to worry about - what an idiot ...

Quite possible that things are getting back to normal in China though- those points had some validity in isolation, fans have returned to Wuhan football, read a few weeks ago of some kind of Wuhan Beer Festival or similar!

Some of them, maskless at that! (Dunno what the guidance is there tbh).

Edited September 10, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[phantom]

On 25/07/2020 at 21:14, S25loyal said:

Let’s cripple the nhs and kill people off so football can survive. 

As per the whole process all along, the testing of football staff has NO impact on the NHS and is completely separate 

[S25loyal]

3 minutes ago, phantom said:

As per the whole process all along, the testing of football staff has NO impact on the NHS and is completely separate 

Is it though? Again it’s corporate greed and money talks, just as the wealthy can get tests done whenever they want the lab space taken up by sports people should be used for the benefit of normal people. 

[Tinmans Love Child]

Agreed interesting reading the first few pages, a lot of people calling things exactly in line with what happened.  
 

Fair play to And It’s Smith, they keep going with the ‘it’s not serious’ line for about 3 weeks and dont let up, until they then start blaming the Tories for not taking it seriously!  

Edited September 10, 2020 by Tinmans Love Child

[And Its Smith]

8 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said:

Agreed, especially when there were posts from the one who claimed extensive knowledge of what was going on in China and everything was apparently getting back to normal over there way back at the start of the year so there was basically nothing to worry about - what an idiot ...

Regarding football I said the football season wouldn’t be cancelled which you called ridiculous. It wasn’t cancelled so who’s the idiot?  

[And Its Smith]

44 minutes ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

Agreed interesting reading the first few pages, a lot of people calling things exactly in line with what happened.  
 

Fair play to And It’s Smith, they keep going with the ‘it’s not serious’ line for about 3 weeks and dont let up, until they then start blaming the Tories for not taking it seriously!  

China showed how to deal with it.  Assumed the Tories would do the same. Not my fault they didn’t.   China have aggressive local lockdowns and contain the virus very well.  As someone who goes to China and know people there I was just communicating what was to be expected.  You can have a go at me for that if it makes you feel better 

[Tinmans Love Child]

1 hour ago, And Its Smith said:

China showed how to deal with it.  Assumed the Tories would do the same. Not my fault they didn’t.   China have aggressive local lockdowns and contain the virus very well.  As someone who goes to China and know people there I was just communicating what was to be expected.  You can have a go at me for that if it makes you feel better 

The lady doth protest too much

[Phileas Fogg]

1 hour ago, And Its Smith said:

China showed how to deal with it.  Assumed the Tories would do the same. Not my fault they didn’t.   China have aggressive local lockdowns and contain the virus very well.  As someone who goes to China and know people there I was just communicating what was to be expected.  You can have a go at me for that if it makes you feel better 

I think you're better off just taking the L on this one. In your defence, back in Feb none of us really knew what was going to happen and none of us would be privy to that info.

[TonyTonyTony]

10 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said:

Agreed, especially when there were posts from the one who claimed extensive knowledge of what was going on in China and everything was apparently getting back to normal over there way back at the start of the year so there was basically nothing to worry about - what an idiot ...

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, And Its Smith said:

China showed how to deal with it.  Assumed the Tories would do the same. Not my fault they didn’t.   China have aggressive local lockdowns and contain the virus very well.  As someone who goes to China and know people there I was just communicating what was to be expected.  You can have a go at me for that if it makes you feel better 

I love the diversity of the travel / mates.....I could imagine you with a 3 wheeler van with Red Dave Independent Trading on the side and “London, Paris, Wuhan, Oldham” underneath

[And Its Smith]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I love the diversity of the travel / mates.....I could imagine you with a 3 wheeler van with Red Dave Independent Trading on the side and “London, Paris, Wuhan, Oldham” underneath

Expect better than that from you Dave.  I live in Bristol, work in Oldham and do business with Chinese factories. Not exactly a unique set up is it!  Most people in manufacturing work with Chinese factories!  

[Davefevs]

6 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

Expect better than that from you Dave.  I live in Bristol, work in Oldham and do business with Chinese factories. Not exactly a unique set up is it!  Most people in manufacturing work with Chinese factories!  

I thought it was funny

[BS4 on Tour...]

3 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

Regarding football I said the football season wouldn’t be cancelled which you called ridiculous. It wasn’t cancelled so who’s the idiot?  

I didn’t say your claim was ridiculous - you said it was ridiculous to consider cancelling the season way back at the start of this pandemic, then leagues one and two had their seasons cancelled. Anyway, apologies, there was no need to go over this old ground again - it’s been an horrendously tough year for so many, I guess I’m just totally fed up with it all now. Can’t even get any enthusiasm back for football at the moment .... roll on Christmas!!

[Bristol Rob]

2 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

Expect better than that from you Dave.  I live in Bristol, work in Oldham and do business with Chinese factories. Not exactly a unique set up is it!  Most people in manufacturing work with Chinese factories!  

I'd be surprised if anyone else here has the Oldham commute.

Oldland Common, maybe. But Oldham, less so.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Latest.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8717741/Tottenhams-request-8-000-fans-stadium-Everton-clash-REJECTED-Government.html

Tottenham are clearly one of the more bullish clubs- though this was always fanciful even before the spike in infections. No surprise that the above  has panned out that way.

Plans to bring fans back in October are still on track but Johnson announced review IIRC?

Also, from a related article.

Quote

Until Wednesday morning, Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Tottenham had been working on proposals to host test events at their first home matches of the season. That is unlikely to happen now.

United were hoping to allow 12,000 fans into Old Trafford for their fixture against Crystal Palace a week on Saturday.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8714689/Johnson-announces-review-plans-reopen-stadiums-putting-October-1-return-fans-rocks.html

I guess we'll know in a week or so just how feasible the planned return date is.

Edited September 10, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[MarcusX]

21 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said:

I didn’t say your claim was ridiculous - you said it was ridiculous to consider cancelling the season way back at the start of this pandemic, then leagues one and two had their seasons cancelled. Anyway, apologies, there was no need to go over this old ground again - it’s been an horrendously tough year for so many, I guess I’m just totally fed up with it all now. Can’t even get any enthusiasm back for football at the moment .... roll on Christmas!!

Can't wait to allocate family their own time slots for visiting hours. 2 per hour max, thank you.

Only joking... my whole family is small enough to adhere to the law 

[phantom]

Belgian football fans are set to return to stadiums for top league matches, though numbers will be strictly limited with social distancing.

It will be the fifth game of the new season for these clubs. The action starts tonight in Eupen, a town near the German border, with the local stadium welcoming up to 1,600 fans. Matches have been behind closed doors since the March lockdown.

“Bring the passion back,” says a Flemish football website headline.

On Sunday, more than 6,000 will be allowed into Anderlecht’s stadium - way below its maximum capacity of 22,000.

Fans are urged to keep one metre apart, separated by empty seats, and they must wear masks all the time.

Clubs hope gradually to increase the crowd numbers.

Anderlecht CEO Karel Van Eetvelt says a closed-door match loses the club around €650,000 (£600,000). “This time, with about a third of our fans, we hope to limit the loss to €350,000 to €400,000.”

Next week some German Bundesliga clubs will allow fans back into stadiums, with strict rules as in Belgium.

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 hours ago, phantom said:

Belgian football fans are set to return to stadiums for top league matches, though numbers will be strictly limited with social distancing.

It will be the fifth game of the new season for these clubs. The action starts tonight in Eupen, a town near the German border, with the local stadium welcoming up to 1,600 fans. Matches have been behind closed doors since the March lockdown.

“Bring the passion back,” says a Flemish football website headline.

On Sunday, more than 6,000 will be allowed into Anderlecht’s stadium - way below its maximum capacity of 22,000.

Fans are urged to keep one metre apart, separated by empty seats, and they must wear masks all the time.

Clubs hope gradually to increase the crowd numbers.

Anderlecht CEO Karel Van Eetvelt says a closed-door match loses the club around €650,000 (£600,000). “This time, with about a third of our fans, we hope to limit the loss to €350,000 to €400,000.”

Next week some German Bundesliga clubs will allow fans back into stadiums, with strict rules as in Belgium.

Ever changing I guess, but about a month ago it was stated that the planned return- no standing areas, no alcohol, limited capacity and unsure what else- had been put off because of Covid. If that's changed, that gives grounds for a bit of cautious optimism.

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

I have no idea about Eupen as I've never been there but social distancing at the Constant Vanden Stock for the 6,000 permitted will be easy. 

[BigTone]

On 10/09/2020 at 12:31, BS4 on Tour... said:

I didn’t say your claim was ridiculous - you said it was ridiculous to consider cancelling the season way back at the start of this pandemic, then leagues one and two had their seasons cancelled. Anyway, apologies, there was no need to go over this old ground again - it’s been an horrendously tough year for so many, I guess I’m just totally fed up with it all now. Can’t even get any enthusiasm back for football at the moment .... roll on Christmas!!

Christmas ? That's knackered already !!

[BigTone]

The end of the world is nigh Ladies & Gents but can we at least get promoted first.

[Mr Popodopolous]

This feels like a blow to the planned return date! Elsewhere, it says said events would be deferred- perhaps more so than cancelled.

Quote

The Premier League statement reads: 'At 1,000 supporters, not only would there be little to learn from a test event, but each match would be heavily loss-making.

'For each month of the season without fans, more than £100 million is lost to football across the leagues, with consequent damage to the local and national economy. It also harms the employment prospects of more than 100,000 people whose jobs depend on matchday activities.

'Our clubs have already prepared test events and can offer larger scale trials to prove it is possible to produce bio-secure, safe environments, as was proved through the successful delivery of Project Restart.'

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8722725/Premier-League-say-CANCEL-test-events-fans-hit-Government.html

Edited September 11, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[Mr Popodopolous]

Probably not helped at all by the below!  

20% infection rate at a Charity football match!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8722065/Coronavirus-outbreak-charity-football-match-soars-61-confirmed-cases.html

(61/300 apparently!?)

Edited September 11, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous

[phantom]

2 hours ago, BigTone said:

Christmas ? That's knackered already !!

Only if you listen to the BBC 

[Mr Popodopolous]

News in this article isn't desirable but is unclear whether it's PL specific.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8726461/No-fans-New-Year-delays-looming-clubs-face-financial-chaos.html

I did read elsewhere too that Cambridge v Carlisle planned test event, think proposed capacity about 2,500, didn't go ahead in light of the whole test event limit reduction to 1,000.