Crawley Town make statement on return of fans

The League Two fixtures were announced today but fans' enthusiams was waned by the fact they did not know when they would be allowed to watch their team in action.

But Crawley Town released this statement on their website: "Since being issued with guidance from both the Government and the Sports Ground Safety Authority, Crawley Town Football Club have been working tirelessly to ensure all protocols and guidelines are met with the aim of allowing a percentage of fans to consistently and safely return to The People’s Pension Stadium from the start of October.

"As things currently stand, there is also the aim of utilising a September fixture as a test event, again allowing a percentage of fans into the ground to safely view the game.

"The club’s main priority in regards to the forward planning of the 2020/21 season is the safety of all our fans and staff, and the club are subsequently having to put a number of measures in place to ensure this is achieved. In order to move around the stadium in a safe manner, and for the club to be able to get a reasonable number of supporters inside, all supporters will be required to wear a face covering.

"If you believe you are in a position where you are exempt from wearing a face covering due to medical reasons, the sunflower hidden disabilities lanyard will need to be shown to indicate this. Alternatively, the club will issue out wristbands to those concerned, if prior contact is made with the club.

"The uptake on season tickets for the coming season has been fantastic. All season ticket holders will be receiving a separate communication from the club in regards to arrangements that we are putting in place to enable them to safely return to watching live football at The People’s Pension Stadium in their preferred area of the stadium.

"At this current stage, the club believe to be able to operate at a safe capacity of approximately 20% of the ground's total capacity with social distancing measures in place. At present Crawley Town Football Club will only be guaranteeing entry to our season ticket holders and are working on an action plan to utilise the remaining capacity, potentially through the implementation of a club membership scheme. More information on this is to follow in the coming days.

"Over the course of the coming days and weeks, Crawley Town Football Club will be issuing a fans code of conduct which will set out the terms of what we expect from our fans to ensure everyone is kept safe. Entering the vicinity of The People’s Pension Stadium with a valid ticket is assumed to be an agreement by the ticket holder to follow these terms - this will run in line with our continued ground regulations.

"Crawley Town Football Club, the players, staff and management are hopeful that fans can return to The People’s Pension Stadium from 1st October and we thank all our fans for their patience and unprecedented support during these times.

"If there are any fans that have any concerns or queries regarding the safe return of fans to the People’s Pension Stadium then please do not hesitate to contact our Deputy Safety Officer, Chris Hewlett - [email protected]."