A local MP has called for a pathway from the Government for fans to return to football matches. Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston, spoke in Parliament today about football matches, and other sporting events, taking place without fans. She asked the Government to provide a way forward.
Clubs like @BrentfordFC worked hard to welcome fans back safely, but with no clear path for them to return now, the financial pressure for clubs is growing. The govt must work with experts on safe spectator return and keep clubs & fans updated. @RuthCadbury @lbofhounslow pic.twitter.com/7MsJi1YIzV
— Seema Malhotra (@SeemaMalhotra1) September 30, 2020
As stated earlier this month, Brentford FC is working closely with representatives from our Safety Advisory Group to confirm the matchday protocols and procedures at our new stadium in order to achieve a safety certificate that permits the entry of fans. Having never had fans inside our new home, Brentford FC is in a different position to any other club aiming to get supporters at games but is working hard to do it safely and speedily. At the same time, the Club is supporting the EFL in its efforts to demonstrate the need for the safe return of fans as soon as it is possible to do so.
Since that statement the Government announced a decision to suspend plans for the return of fans to matches. See more on the BBC here. EFL Chair Ricky Parry issued a response to that, which can be seen here. The FA have also updated after the news here. The Club has been working with both our local MPs - Seema Malhotra and Ruth Cadbury, who represents Brentford and Isleworth, who followed up the parliamentary statement with a response of her own.
Thank you @SeemaMalhotra1 for raising this extremely important issue facing both @BrentfordFC & many other football clubs & fans across the country.
— Ruth Cadbury MP (@RuthCadbury) September 30, 2020
As @Alison_McGovern rightly said all sports need clarity from the Government. https://t.co/JJQ0KQMoHh
