Chelsea have indicated that fan numbers below the UK Government’s tier two limit of 2,000 will be permitted to their Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture against West Ham United at Kingsmeadow next weekend.
The Blues have provided an update on the immediate situation via their official website this morning, advising that they plan to admit reduced numbers to the match, subject to the club gaining approval from the relevant authorities. An announcement on the proposed restricted match capacity and ticketing arrangements will be revealed once the club are in a position to do so.
Up to six Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship clubs could welcome fans back next weekend for the first time since February in most cases. With clubs having been given little notice by the UK Government for the return of fans, there could be additional restrictions in place at other grounds as next weekend’s fixtures almost act as pilots for the long-term return of crowds in COVID-safe environments.
Everton were the first club to announce that they will not be opening up their turnstiles next weekend with their match against Manchester City remaining behind-closed-doors while Liverpool are limiting their capacity to around 900 for their meeting with Crystal Palace. It is thought that Lewes are hoping to welcome back fans in some form while Arsenal, Reading and Tottenham Hotspur are yet to comment on the arrangements for their home fixtures next weekend.
In total 13 of the 23 Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship clubs are permitted to welcome back supporters while the remaining 10 clubs will eagerly await the UK Government’s review of their respective areas’ tier three restrictions on 16 December.
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