Spectators will be required to show proof of double vaccination against Covid-19 or a negative lateral flow test to attend sporting events with crowds of more than 10,000 people after MPs approved government plans.
The proposals were part of the government’s ‘Plan B’ to tackle the rise in Covid-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant, and were voted into force in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening by a majority of 243.
Sky Sports News understands Premier League clubs – whose average attendances all exceed 10,000 – have been preparing for this eventuality.
Some of the 20 top-flight sides – including Chelsea, Tottenham and Brighton – already made Covid passes mandatory for fans attending their home games earlier this season.
Under the new rules, fans who are unable to prove they are double vaccinated or have produced a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of the event will be denied entry.
However, as stadiums of all professional clubs in England, Scotland and Wales are classed as outdoor venues, supporters are still not required to wear masks in their seats.
National rises in Covid cases have had an impact on the Premier League, which approved Manchester United’s request to postpone their fixture at Brentford on Tuesday night.
United were forced to shut down first-team operations at their Carrington training complex after recording a “small number” of positive results following Saturday’s 1-0 win at Norwich.
Tottenham have also had fixtures against Brighton and Rennes postponed this month, while the Premier League announced 42 new Covid cases among first-team players and staff between Monday, December 6 and Sunday, December 12 – the highest weekly number since figures were made public.
According to the PA news agency, Premier League players and staff will now have to take a lateral flow test every time they want to enter their club’s training ground. – Sky Sports
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