SPANISH club Las Palmas have become the first major European football team to say they are ready to welcome fans back to their stadium.
On Monday, the Segunda Division outfit wrote to the Canary Islands and LaLiga authorities to outline their plans for the season’s restart later this week.
Fans could soon return to the 32,000-capacity Estadio Gran CanariaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The island of Gran Canaria is one of several Spanish areas in its final phase of lockdown, with social gatherings of up to 20 people allowed.
Club president Miguel Angel Ramirez stated that full health and safety precautions would be undertaken to ensure the virus does not spread.
Ahead of his side’s game with Girona on Saturday, Ramirez said: “If we are given the possibility of opening the stadium this Saturday or next, it will be with maximum guarantees for our fans and anyone can come.
“People being able to come to football creates a good image for the Canary Islands, and the main driving force of our region is tourism.”
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez poured cold water on the idea and called for a uniform approach across the game, amid talk of Las Palmas opening the doors of Estadio Gran Canaria.
He insisted: “I think it is fair that there are no differences and that there are not fans in one stadium and not in another.”
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However the call officially rests with local authorities, as Spain’s lockdown regulations are being decided at a regional level once in the final phase.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas opened the door when asked about fans returning to stadiums this season.
The 57-year-old claimed: “Fans should be back as soon as they are allowed to be back.”
In the meantime, the league is working with FIFA 20 developers EA Sport to provide crowd noise and CGI fans for those watching behind closed doors matches from home.
Many officials across the game have voiced concerns that fans may not be able to return until a coronavirus vaccine is found.
That could rule out supporters until next season, or next year, but Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin made his optimism clear last month.
I’m absolutely sure, personally, that good old football with fans will come back very soon.”
Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin
He told the Guardian: “It’s a serious situation but it is going down now and we are being more cautious.
“We know more about the virus. I don’t like this apocalyptic view that we have to wait for the second and third waves or even a fifth wave … people you know are likely to die one day.
“But do we have to be worried today? I don’t think so.
“We are ready and we will follow the recommendations of the authorities but I’m absolutely sure, personally, that good old football with fans will come back very soon.”
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez announces plans to welcome foreign tourists in July as hopes grow for British holidaymakers
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
