Dowden: It’s ‘hateful’ to ban the fans

CULTURE Secretary Oliver Dowden has admitted delaying the return of spectators to stadiums is “positively hateful” but ultimately necessary.

Plans were originally formed for fans to return from October 1 but these have been postponed with parts of the country struggling to contain a sharp rise in coronavirus infections.

Despite criticism from supporters and governing bodies, as audiences were present at the London Palladium over the weekend, Dowden reiterated now was not the time for fans to return to grounds.

Speaking to MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Dowden said: “We are doing things which are positively hateful but the reason we are doing them is to secure public safety.

“If we had socially distancing for sport that is a lot of people coming week in and week out to sports stadiums up and down the country. “

He added: “If people are unhappy with indoor performances going ahead with social distancing measures in place that is a separate question of whether you stop them.”

The EFL have made it clear they are “deeply frustrated” by the fact fans cannot return yet.

In a statement, the league said: “While we recognise the UK is facing a significant public health crisis, football and football supporters should be treated fairly.

“From the league’s position, it seems illogical socially-distanced events are taking place indoors at arts and music venues when football clubs have been prohibited from doing the same in outdoor stadiums.”