GAA’s abject failure over Covid guidelines should not be allowed to block return of fans at other sports

After yet more disappointing scenes at GAA fixtures over the weekend when social distancing guidelines were once again not observed, the sport’s governing body has made the right decision in the circumstances.

However, the question is what damage has been done to the prospect of other sports both continuing to welcome back supporters and indeed continuing to hold competitive fixtures full stop?

The answer should be straightforward. Other sports shouldn’t be held responsible for the GAA’s failure to stage its matches within the strict guidelines set out.

Supporters returned to the Kingspan Stadium for Ulster’s first Pro14 match of the season against Benetton last Friday night. Social distancing was immaculately followed by the 600 fans present and the trial offered hope of more supporters being admitted in the weeks to come.

Why should Ulster supporters who followed the guidelines to the letter suffer because of the abject failures of another sport?

The same argument applies to the scheduled return of Irish League football later this month. Football deserves the opportunity to see whether it can follow the guidelines better than its GAA counterparts. It’s inconceivable that Irish League football can sustain a season without supporters.

The issue of fans attending live sport has become a polarised issue. In Germany limited crowds are allowed at football’s Bundesliga matches in areas where Covid levels are low, while supporters have long since returned to watch football and rugby in France. In contrast, Boris Johnson’s Tory government has refused to allow fans to return in England after the recent surge in Covid cases. Supporters are sport’s lifeblood. Without them, the future of many clubs is very uncertain indeed.