September 17, 2020 11.54 am This story is over 42 months old

Lincoln MP asks minister to allow safe return of fans to stadiums

Club and fans hope for positive outcome
Sincil Bank, the home of Lincoln City. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has written to the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage asking for the safe return of fans to football matches.

Last week the government announced that sports pilots would be reduced in capacity to 1,000 people socially distanced at set test events. It will make a decision on whether fans can return to sports stadia socially distanced on October 1.

Karl McCartney and Lincoln City Football Club chief executive Liam Scully met with Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage to discuss the issue earlier this summer.

The Lincoln MP wrote a letter to the government minister on Thursday, September 17, saying: “We both believe that the safe return of spectators is possible and ask for you and your government colleagues to make a positive decision to allow fans back.”

He highlighted four key points in his letter, including the financial impact on football clubs if there is a “lack of a credible route back to having fans at games”.

He added: “The investors at Lincoln City FC remain wholly committed to doing all they can to assist agencies and the government and Public Health England as we navigate these turbulent times.

“Significant further investment has already been committed but I do fear that ongoing restrictions could be a significant step backwards for many clubs in the league and could eventually prove catastrophic for a significant number of clubs.

“On behalf of all supporters, players and staff connected with Lincoln City Football Club and other football clubs around the UK, we ask that you consider the points which we have raised and hopefully come to a positive conclusion in a very timely manner.”

Lincoln City face Premier League champions Liverpool in the Carabao Cup next week and also made a positive start to their League One campaign with a 2-0 win against Oxford, and fans will be praying that they are allowed back into the LNER Stadium soon.