CHESTER FC say playing behind closed doors is simply not viable after being plunged into a Covid restrictions storm.
At a meeting on Friday, the National League North club were handed a joint letter from North Wales Police and Flintshire County Council informing them of potential Welsh Coronavirus Regulations breaches.
The Blues’ Deva Stadium straddles the England/ Wales border but the authorities claim is governed by Welsh regulations.
Current Covid regulations in Wales restrict the number who can attend sporting events, although there are no such restrictions in England.
The letter relates to Chester’s fixtures against AFC Fylde on December 28 and AFC Telford United on January 2.
As a result, the club have now informed supporters that further potential breaches could be brought if it continued to play home fixtures with crowds while the current restrictions in Wales are in place.
The club are currently seeking legal advice but, ultimately, it could mean Chester having to play homes games behind closed doors until Welsh regulations are eased or lifted.
Vice chairman Jim Green told Capital North West News: “It’s a very strange situation and it doesn’t feel like common sense has been applied at the moment.
“We are aware we are in a unique geographical position but from our perspective, we are an English football club, based in an English city, playing in an English league and we would expect that English law would apply to us.
“To get this letter is quite scary for us as a club because, in our eyes, we have done nothing wrong.
“I think all parties need to take a step back, reflect and take some more legal advice. The implications of this decision and outcome are very significant.
“It’s not viable for us to play without fans in the stadium so it’s going to need some cool heads and common sense thinking.”
