Premier League Covid: How PL Match postponements have affected the fans? – As we head into the festive period of the Premier League and as we await the famous boxing day fixtures the competition has slowed down with a rise in the Covid cases in the country as well as in the Premier League itself. The next few days will be critical as a decision will be taken if the Premier League should take a break in order to take safety precautions and avoid further Covid infections. Follow InsideSport.IN for the latest football news and updates
With many Premier League games called off in recent days other than the players and staff members, the fans have been heavily hurt through the fixture postponements. With a total of 10 fixtures being called off as many teams had Covid outbreaks in their camps and even training centers being closed down for a while. The fans themselves have problems of their own with fixtures being called off in the last few hours before kick-off.
The #PL Board has postponed #AVLBUR because of an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the Aston Villa squad
Full statement: https://t.co/0f2PmvCUg3 pic.twitter.com/sfJH787NH0
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 18, 2021
What issues are the Premier League fans facing due to a Covid chaos?
New Covid Passes: The safety of everyone is priority and the Premier League and clubs are taking all steps possible to create safe matchday environments for supporters. The Premier League announced new requirements for fans who are aged 18+ and will be attending the matches in the stadium.
The fans will have to complete a COVID status self-declaration via the club’s website ahead of the matchday. This online process requires fans to confirm they have a valid NHS COVID pass or negative NHS COVID test within the previous 48 hours.
Supporters must also be prepared to show their NHS COVID pass or proof of a negative NHS COVID test on arrival at the stadium. Checks will take place at all Premier League grounds. Fans risk being denied entry if they are unable to show their NHS COVID Pass or proof of a negative NHS COVID test result from within the previous 48 hours, ideally as close to matchday as possible.
Fans must wear a face covering while in indoor stadium areas and when travelling to matches on public transport. Although it is not mandatory within the stadium bowl, supporters are encouraged to wear face coverings in congested areas and in stands to protect themselves and those around them.
Thank you for all your efforts in keeping others safe when attending a #PL match 👊
With the arrival of winter, we must continue to do all we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 ⛔️
Read up on the current measures and requirements ➡️ https://t.co/Oi7zX6UkMd pic.twitter.com/e3u6Gpeen1
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 18, 2021
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We are doing all we can to keep fans safe and grounds open at full capacity. The safety of everyone remains our priority and since the start of the season we have been working closely with our clubs, Government and local public health authorities to prepare fans and stadium operations for the introduction of COVID certification.
“It is really important fans take the time to understand what is required of them when attending Premier League stadiums, which is why we are asking fans to declare their COVID status ahead of a matchday. We want everyone to enjoy matches in safe environments and we and our clubs will continue to urge fans to do all they can and follow public health guidance.”
Last minute Match cancellations
With several last minute match cancellations such as the recent fixture of Aston Villa vs Burnley being called off just 2 hours before kick-off. Tottenham vs Leicester also was called off just few hours before kick-off with both the teams not having enough players to play the game as half of the first-team players were asked to isolate themselves.
Watford vs Burnley faced the same fate too as their training ground was then forced to shut down.
Premier League Covid: How PL Match postponements have affected the fans? New Covid pass, last-minute match cancellations; Read More
Hotel bookings:
Fans who had booked hotels for their stay as in order to watch their teams play will either have to cancel their bookings with no guarantee of a refund as matches are postponed at a sudden time once confirmation of the Covid cases are confirmed from the club and after a decision by the Premier League board members.
Travel arrangements:
Supporters who travel all the way from different states of the UK also from different parts of the world just to watch their favourite teams and players, chanting their names and singling loudly were not allowed to enter the stadium itself with several matches getting postponed for a later date.
Fans who travelled all the way from around the globe were absolutely hurt to see the matches being cancelled after travelling for hours and miles.
Premier League Covid: How PL Match postponements have affected the fans? New Covid pass, last-minute match cancellations; Read More
