Oran Kearney says matchday protocols will have to change before fans come back

Whilst wider society has seen a number of restrictions eased in recent weeks including the return of close contact services and outdoor hospitality, football has largely been operating with the same regulations since the full lockdown was reintroduced at Christmas.

Reports suggest the Irish FA are hopeful the NI Executive may ease restrictions further when they meet again on May 13 which would allow fans to return to games including this season's Irish Cup final.

But the Coleraine boss, who had to deliver his half-time team talk in a hospitality suite at Ballymena Showgrounds yesterday, says things need to change with the current matchday arrangements to allow supporters to return to grounds.

"I struggle to see how fans can return at the minute," said Kearney.

"I think things have been brilliant, and football has been brilliant, but I don't think we have moved at the rate society has.

"Could fans have been in the ground today as we walked up the stand to go into the Des Allen Suite at half time?

"For me football has to move first so we get back to a place of some sort of normality of what a matchday Saturday looks like.

"Then we would be in a position for fans to come back."

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