Harrogate Town and other football clubs face a “cliff edge scenario” if fans are not allowed back into stadiums for six months, Town’s chairman has warned.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson put plans for fans to return at the start of October on hold today when he announced further restrictions to tackle rising coronavirus infections.
Supporters were due to return to grounds in small numbers, with some Football League clubs trialling 1,000 fans at games last weekend.
Irving Weaver, Town chairman, has said his club and others could experience “severe pain” if their loss of income is not subsidised.
He said:
“Today’s statement by the Prime Minister was not unexpected but if there is a further six months delay before we can allow fans into our stadiums then we are running into a cliff edge scenario.
“From mid-March through a normal close season we were helped by furloughing our employees. Now back into full swing anticipating fans returning, the black hole is upon us. Around thirty percent of a club’s total income is derived through the turnstiles. Without a subsidy the pain will be severe.
“I know that the government are well aware of the situation. Let us hope that there is help on the way, not just for football but for spectator sport in general.”
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Mr Johnson told MPs it would not be possible for fans to return to stadiums from 1 October. He added:
“I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities.
“The Chancellor and the Culture Secretary are working urgently on what we can do now to support them.”
The Prime Minister added the restrictions could remain in place for six months.
Shrewsbury Town were among those to take part in a pilot last weekend with 1,000 supporters present for the first time since March.
