By Tim Parsons-
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has called for all clubs to be given the green light before football fans anywhere are allowed to return.
Bielsa argues that the move to allow clubs in tiers one and two to let in a limited number of supporters is unfair to clubs that come under the highest tiers which must continue their games behind closed doors.
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Bielsa’s concerns have been supported by Brighton boss Graham PotThe British government has said up to 4,000 fans can attend outdoor elite sports events in the lowest-risk medium alert areas of England. Bielsa said: “It shouldn’t be about the category, or the consequences of being in a category, it should be about trying to maintain the competition as equal as possible with things that are controllable.
Premier League clubs in London and Liverpool have been permitted to allow up to 2,000 fans as they fall under the high-alert tier 2 zone, but the Manchester teams and Leeds, who are classified as being in the very high alert tier 3 zone, will have to wait longer.
“Perhaps there could be a rule that states that if fans are not allowed in all stadiums, then they should not be allowed in at all until everybody is allowed to have them in,” Bielsa, whose side travel to Everton on Saturday, told reporters.
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“It shouldn’t be about the category, or the consequences of being in a category, it should be about trying to maintain the competition as equal as possible with things that are controllable.
“The presence of the fans has an effect on the results. What the organisation says is people who are from places where there’s a higher risk of infection will be penalised.”
“What the organisation says is people who are from places where there’s a higher risk of infection, it means they will be penalised.”
Arsenal will be the first Premier League club to welcome fans for a competitive fixture since the first lockdown in March. The club has confirmed 2,000 spectators will be allowed in for their Europa League match against Rapid Vienna next Thursday.
West Ham’s match against Manchester United on December 5 is set to be the first Premier League game with fans in attendance.
Potter, whose side host Southampton on December 7, also expressed misgivings but warned it would not necessarily work in the favour of the home clubs in question.
“Sometimes the home crowd is with you, because you are playing well, and sometimes the home crowd can be a little bit nervous or frustrated and therefore it can work against you,” said Potter.
“But I think certainly if you have got that environment, where the home supporters are really behind the players, there’s a real belief, a real connection, then I think it can be really powerful at a football club.”
Evatt, whose club, like Leeds, are in tier three, was more outspoken, adding to the Bolton News: “I think there is an advantage there – certainly having supporters that are trying to back your team and will them on, it can only help (them).”
Arsenal described the return of fans as an “historic moment for the club”, whilst the Hammers cautioned that a “small number” of fans could be allowed to return.
Image: Sky Sports
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