EFL appeals to Welsh Government over fan ban

[Michael Morris]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59916304

The English Football League (EFL) has appealed to the Welsh government over the ban on fans at games in Wales because of Covid-19 regulations.

BBC Wales Sport has learned a letter has been sent by EFL chief executive Trevor Birch to Wales' Economy Minister Vaughan Gething.

The letter says Wales' three EFL clubs are at a "disadvantage" as there are no restrictions at games in England.

Birch is keen to discuss "support" for the clubs with the Welsh government.

Championship clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City and League Two Newport County are affected by Welsh government rules, which do not allow fans at elite sporting events in Wales.

Birch, a former Swansea chairman, estimates that his old club, Cardiff City and Newport County suffer a significant economic impact through the measures, suggesting "£400,000 is lost in gate receipts and hospitality alone for each matchday that is played behind closed doors".

He also points to additional economic losses incurred by local businesses who rely on the custom of fans of the clubs.

Birch says the EFL and its clubs have taken health protection seriously and have promoted the health and well-being of all involved in the competition.

Given the EFL is keen to see all its member clubs compete under the same conditions, Birch has asked the Welsh government to "consider the easing of the current restrictions for elite sport to pre-Omicron levels" when the measures are considered again next week.

But ahead of that review, he is keen for the EFL and the three clubs to meet with the Welsh government "alleviate any concerns" over fans attending games, while also discussing "additional practical and financial support" which could be provided while clubs are playing behind closed doors.

An EFL spokesman would not comment on private correspondence, but emphasised the league is keen to work with the Welsh government.

The Welsh government has been asked to respond.

[UNDERHILL1927]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59916304

The English Football League (EFL) has appealed to the Welsh government over the ban on fans at games in Wales because of Covid-19 regulations.

BBC Wales Sport has learned a letter has been sent by EFL chief executive Trevor Birch to Wales' Economy Minister Vaughan Gething.

The letter says Wales' three EFL clubs are at a "disadvantage" as there are no restrictions at games in England.

Birch is keen to discuss "support" for the clubs with the Welsh government.

Championship clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City and League Two Newport County are affected by Welsh government rules, which do not allow fans at elite sporting events in Wales.

Birch, a former Swansea chairman, estimates that his old club, Cardiff City and Newport County suffer a significant economic impact through the measures, suggesting "£400,000 is lost in gate receipts and hospitality alone for each matchday that is played behind closed doors".

He also points to additional economic losses incurred by local businesses who rely on the custom of fans of the clubs.

Birch says the EFL and its clubs have taken health protection seriously and have promoted the health and well-being of all involved in the competition.

Given the EFL is keen to see all its member clubs compete under the same conditions, Birch has asked the Welsh government to "consider the easing of the current restrictions for elite sport to pre-Omicron levels" when the measures are considered again next week.

But ahead of that review, he is keen for the EFL and the three clubs to meet with the Welsh government "alleviate any concerns" over fans attending games, while also discussing "additional practical and financial support" which could be provided while clubs are playing behind closed doors.

An EFL spokesman would not comment on private correspondence, but emphasised the league is keen to work with the Welsh government.

The Welsh government has been asked to respond.

Banging head against a brick wall sadly. Too many egos and political point scoring at play. Sad really.

[UNDERHILL1927]

One of the most heinous crimes in my mind. Forcing our, clap on the front door real hero's in this pandemic, key workers to have a jab....or fire them. Ridiculous.

Dr puts forward argument, politician gives usual bullshit answer.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...octor-12511224

[TWGL1]

One of the most heinous crimes in my mind. Forcing our, clap on the front door real hero's in this pandemic, key workers to have a jab....or fire them. Ridiculous.

Dr puts forward argument, politician gives usual bullshit answer.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...octor-12511224

Sky left this bit out of the interview :-

Mr James told the PA news agency he did not believe Covid-19 was causing “very significant problems” for young people, adding that his patients in the ICU had been “extremely overweight” with multiple other co-morbidities."��

[life on mars]

No good sending letters WAG all working from home ,
and ministers are enjoying thier back garden moments walking in parks as Wales just slips into a coma.

Don't worry wugger 6 nations and of pressure fans and dish, will come to our rescue.

[alan_corneli]

Don't worry wugger 6 nations and of pressure fans and dish, will come to our rescue.

Translation please.

[Trigger]

I was hoping it might be very short term and wouldn't bother us too much but I'd dread the impact financially on the club if this drags on.

Businesses in general shouldn't have to fear being shut down or restricted by government every now and then. The first lock down was fair, we knew little and it was panic, nearly 2 years on they need to do better.

[dml1954]

Banning fans from outdoor sports events just doesn't make any sense. WAG as been banging in for two years as to how they follow the data and science but all indicators are that Covid risk is low for these events. They have stated so themselves on a number of occasions. All they have to do temporarily is close all hospitality at stadiums to avoid fans being close together in covered areas. Also request fans to wear masks in toilets and when walking to seats. No chance of it happening though because sense is something that is in pretty short supply as far as Drakeford and his gang are concerned.

[Talksport]

Draketwat is a complete prick

[splott parker]

Draketwat is a complete prick

You’re not doing too bad yourself.

[City123]

Draketwat is a complete prick

What is it about the name "Drakeford" that encourages grown adults to come up with childish insults like "Dripford" and the incredibly cutting "Draketwat"?

[A Quiet Monkfish]

What is it about the name "Drakeford" that encourages grown adults to come up with childish insults like "Dripford" and the incredibly cutting "Draketwat"?

I think you're a fan of the TwitTwat.

[delmbox]

What is it about the name "Drakeford" that encourages grown adults to come up with childish insults like "Dripford" and the incredibly cutting "Draketwat"?

I don't know, it's like calling Boris Johnson Boris Johntwat or something, just absolutely awful attempts at insults

[splott parker]

I don't know, it's like calling Boris Johnson Boris Johntwat or something, just absolutely awful attempts at insults

After they’ve typed their play on words do they really think they’re the first person who’s done it and we’re all thinking it’s hilarious? Same goes for Weeds, Sjoke etc, it’s embarrassing for them, imagine a comedian telling the same tired joke every time he appeared on the screen. As soon as it’s in a post, the post loses all credibility because all you’re thinking is ‘what a knob’ rather than reading the text.

[Dave Blue]

This is all so ironic on FA Cup day when the club were advertising tickets, restricted to a few blocks because no one wanted to go.

[The Lone Gunman]

This is all so ironic on FA Cup day when the club were advertising tickets, restricted to a few blocks because no one wanted to go.

Nobody wanted to go? Is that right?

[Dave Blue]

Draketwat is a complete prick

I feel we should have a separate part of the message board for this sort of measured response.

[life on mars]

What is it about the name "Drakeford" that encourages grown adults to come up with childish insults like "Dripford" and the incredibly cutting "Draketwat"?

It's dreadful isn't it , we've never seen anything quite as nasty through political history .

[Trigger]

What is it about the name "Drakeford" that encourages grown adults to come up with childish insults like "Dripford" and the incredibly cutting "Draketwat"?

He opens his mouth.

[Dave Blue]

Nobody wanted to go? Is that right?

Let’s re-phrase. Both the club and its fan base have given up on the cups, hence long before any hint of covid restrictions, the club announces a very limited amount of blocks open for ticket sales, for an FA Cup 3rd round game between championship teams. Why would they take that stance? Other grounds will be packed this weekend for the same competition.

[The Lone Gunman]

Let’s re-phrase. Both the club and its fan base have given up on the cups, hence long before any hint of covid restrictions, the club announces a very limited amount of blocks open for ticket sales, for an FA Cup 3rd round game between championship teams.

City apparently had crowds of 3,500 for their midweek EFL Cup game against League Two Sutton Utd earlier in the season, while 6,013 turned up for the next round against Brighton's reserves.

It wouldn't have been a big crowd tomorrow, that's for sure. But it would have been bigger than zero.

[Citizen's Nephew]

City apparently had crowds of 3,500 for their midweek EFL Cup game against League Two Sutton Utd earlier in the season, while 6,013 turned up for the next round against Brighton's reserves.

It wouldn't have been a big crowd tomorrow, that's for sure. But it would have been bigger than zero.

There would have been at least two us as me and Mrs C would have been there.

Seriously though, I haven't missed a home League or FA Cup match in donkey's years. I still love the cup and watching the BBC Final Score today makes me feel like a kid again. I think we can make self-fulfilling prophecies with our attitudes toward cup matches. If we keep saying nobody'll be there or it's great for the youngsters or it's only Preston then sure, people start feeling meh about it. If our attitudes changed, the cup and atmosphere would change. The cup matches are only what we make them.

The attendances you gave are still higher than a lot of L2 home crowds. It was 17/18 season where we drew Manchester City at home which of course was a sell-out. Prior to that, we drew the home tie against Mansfield for a 0-0 draw but we won the away 1-4. The home tie was in front of a tiny crowd as the Ninian was the only stand open. I remember thinking there must have been a few that day that didn't get tickets for the Man City game (I spoke to several who had just decided to go because it was cheap) and thought how unfair that would be. If there was a scheme similar to the away scheme where you couldn't get an automatic ticket for a big tie unless you'd been to the earlier matches maybe that would encourage more. It's not ideal but it's a start.

Also, many have highlighted that the clubs are struggling because of the lockdown season. Wouldn't going to cup matches be a valuable source of revenue? That Newcastle match today had amazing attendance. I wish we had the kind of buzz they have. Give local people and kids wads of free tickets too.

[The Lone Gunman]

It was 17/18 season where we drew Manchester City at home which of course was a sell-out.

If City were to beat Preston tomorrow and draw a big club at home in the next round, it would be interesting to see what the reaction would be if the Welsh government insisted that game (which would be played in the first week of February) be played behind closed doors.

[Citizen's Nephew]

If City were to beat Preston tomorrow and draw a big club at home in the next round, it would be interesting to see what the reaction would be if the Welsh government insisted that game (which would be played in the first week of February) be played behind closed doors.

The plot thickens.

[dml1954]

Let’s re-phrase. Both the club and its fan base have given up on the cups, hence long before any hint of covid restrictions, the club announces a very limited amount of blocks open for ticket sales, for an FA Cup 3rd round game between championship teams. Why would they take that stance? Other grounds will be packed this weekend for the same competition.

And if the demand had been good enough to start off with, they would have opened more blocks and got a higher attendance. Eventually that could have led to the whole ground being open. Its not rocket science is it and there is nothing wrong with doing it that way, to save unnecessary outlay on staff, services etc, especially at the moment. Fan demand is the sole driver of attendances. Why would the club want to stop people going who wanted to ?