FRANK LAMPARD has called on the Government to reverse its decision to ban fans from football stadiums in Tier 3.
London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will move into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions this week.
Frank Lampard was only able to enjoy two games with fans at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP or licensors
Chelsea’s home must shut its doors again after entering Tier 3 restrictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea will therefore be among the several clubs having to shut their doors to supporters despite hosting two games with 2,000 spectators.
But the Blues boss, 42, is confident that the recent re-opening of grounds is not responsible for a rise in coronavirus cases.
He said ahead of the Government’s announcement: “Let’s get it right, we are making it up as we go along because we’ve never been in this position before.
“And I think when you are talking about if clubs can control the situation, then I think that they’ve shown so far that they can.
“So I would like to have thought that something could be done to make it exempt where we can get that 2,000 number in.
“But that goes above my station, I’m just saying what I think.”
Of the Premier League, only Liverpool, Everton, Brighton and Southampton will be allowed to host 2,000 fans under the current tier guidelines.
The latest enforcement of Tier 3 rules has led to a situation where the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is allowed only one night of attendees.
And Championship duo Queens Park Rangers and Watford are among those allowed supporters at their home games on Tuesday night, because the restrictions start at 00.01am on Wednesday morning.
Chelsea play Wolves later today at Molineux, a ground that has remained in Tier 3 since the system was imposed earlier this month.
Half of the top-flight, including clubs around Manchester, Yorkshire and the Midlands, are hoping to get the green light to re-open stadiums this week.
Lampard does admit that it would be more fair to have a ‘level playing field’ where all clubs are allowed 2,000 fans.
He added: “Even though we’ve been in Tier 2 and had fans in for a couple of games, I did feel that it should have been a level playing field with fans if some clubs can have them and some can’t.
We’ve seen already and felt it, the backing fans give you and what it does to the game – and I think that should be pretty level.
Frank Lampard
“We’ve seen already and felt it, the backing that they give you and what it does to the game – and I think that should be pretty level.
“I also think we can control 2,000 fans coming into a stadium if they are coming from within a tier or whatever to keep things moving along. So it’s unfortunate to say the least.”
Tier 3 restrictions, which also close restaurants, theatres and pubs, will mean Chelsea’s upcoming home games against West Ham, Aston Villa and Manchester City take place behind closed doors.
The system will be reviewed in a number of weeks with the rest of the country’s guidelines potentially changing in a few days’ time.
⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says if the government move London into Tier 3 they need to ‘provide additional support’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
