FANS’ FORUM
I read with interest a correspondent’s plea that Non-League football should continue ‘in front of crowds with no restrictions’ even if curbs are brought in elsewhere.
I don’t necessarily disagree but I do have some thoughts on the subject.
Although the smart money seems to be on Omicron being a less dangerous variant, there are still concerns, namely the ease with which it can be spread and the possible impact of high numbers of cases on both hospital admissions and staff absence.
I have already taken the decision to stop attending matches even though the games I go to see relatively small crowds.
In my newspaper today, Pep Guardiola urged fans to start wearing masks.
This resonated with me as I have always taken a face covering to matches during the pandemic and have always worn it to get in and out of the ground, these being the pinch points where I’m likely to come into close contact with lots of other people.
Once inside the ground, in some quiet corner, I have been happy to remove my mask. I agree with Pep, the threat posed by Omicron should make fans seriously consider the wearing of masks for at least some of their outing, if not all, depending on how socially distanced they can be.
I no longer believe that fans can take comfort from Non-League grounds being outdoors. If you’re stood close to someone then you may well be doing enough to spread or catch the virus.
Clubs should start looking at voluntary measures, including making officials, e.g. turnstile operators and stewards, start wearing masks in the general interest. Only then may we avoid the scenario of a suspension of all football, or bans or limitations on crowds.
What about a cup for Step 7?
I HAVE a proposal aimed at generating some positive discussion and anticipation in these uncertain times.
How about a national knockout competition purely for Step 7 clubs, leaving clubs at Steps 5 and 6 to compete in the FA Vase.
A new competition would extend opportunities to a much wider range of Step 7 clubs, giving them the possibility of an extended run against clubs from different parts of the country with the final at a major football stadium, perhaps in the Midlands region.
There would have to be some qualification criteria, based on league position in the previous season and minimum standards of facilities for players and officials. Matches, unlike many at Step 7, would have three neutral officials.
Early rounds would all be regional, only widening out to north/ south and then national in the later rounds; extra time to be played in the first match, followed, if necessary, by penalties.
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