NIFL to consult clubs to review the position on spectators

Earlier this week Communities Minister Caral Ni Chuilin appealed to sporting bodies to follow her guidance and keep fans out despite the current restrictions allowing for their attendance.

Ulster Rugby confirmed its next two home games would be played behind closed doors, and the GAA announced inter-county fixtures will also be played without spectators during this four-week period of Stormont restrictions.

Speaking at Thursday’s Communities Committee meeting of the NI Assembly IFA CEO Patrick Nelson said stringent safety measures are in place to allow fans to continue football matches.

“It’s our job to obey the regulations, as they are printed, and we obey the regulations,” he said.

“Safe capacities have been agreed. Structures have been agreed. Hand sanitisation, temperature checking, social distancing. All of that has been agreed with the relevant safety authorities for every ground.

“We have 18,534 seats at The National Football Stadium, and we work hard along with our stadium manifest and ticket provider to work out which seats can be used and can’t be used.”

But a statement from NIFL released this evening said clubs would now be consulted to review the situation, however fans will still be allowed to attend this Saturday's fixtures.

"The NI Football League Board note the recent actions of other sports and the comments from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor in relation to spectators," read the statement.

"We wish to take a responsible leadership approach to the COVID-19 crisis and will consult with all NIFL Premiership clubs, and relevant authorities, at the earliest opportunity, to review the position on spectators.

"For the avoidance of doubt, games scheduled for this weekend (23/24 October) in the Danske Bank Premiership will continue with spectators in line with stringent protocols."

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