The Telegraph : Fans returning to matches

[Grumps]

Will be a pretty miserable experience with about 6 thousand people there and no away fans. I'd probably prefer to go and watch Colne for a year tbh.

Why the big concern for away fans? Surely 500 more burnley fans is better

[Woodleyclaret]

So we are back into real fans debate time my first game was 1962 and we travel 500miles round trip from Reading to the Turf
We are JHU season ticket holders and are in our 70s.We own a house in Nelson ,do we have all the credentials needed to get in ?

[Grumps]

So we are back into real fans debate time my first game was 1962 and we travel 500miles round trip from Reading to the Turf
We are JHU season ticket holders and are in our 70s.We own a house in Nelson ,do we have all the credentials needed to get in ?

I thought the debate was 500 away fans, or 500 extra burnley fans. I think you are arguing with nobody but yourself.

[jrgbfc]

Why the big concern for away fans? Surely 500 more burnley fans is better

I'm not that concerned, it's just normally it adds to the atmosphere. But with all the restrictions it won't make any difference anyway.

[Grumps]

I'm not that concerned, it's just normally it adds to the atmosphere. But with all the restrictions it won't make any difference anyway.

A report in one paper today was that singing would be banned, so if it's atmosphere you are looking for I'd prepare to be disappointed.
If wearing a mask meant more could go I'd be happy with that as well.

[TVC15]

Will be a pretty miserable experience with about 6 thousand people there and no away fans. I'd probably prefer to go and watch Colne for a year tbh.

How many away fans do they get at Colne these days ?
I can’t imagine that the ground is rocking !

In all seriousness I love watching local football - especially after playing it for 20 years - so I get the attraction.
Would I rather watch local football than Burnley in a 2/3rds empty stadium ? No....but no reason I can’t do both.

It’s each to their own - but personally think allowing even 6,000 fans back in will definitely improve the atmosphere and players and many fans will welcome it.

[JohnMac]

There is no solution to satisfy everyone's hopes and wishes other than full attendance when deemed safe to do so. Even then there will be some who don't feel it is safe as befits human nature.

The Club could try and allow attendance based on seat numbers but it will be used and abused by supporters borrowing and lending season cards, you know it will happen, not in thousands,maybe not in hundreds but it will happen.

This means one of the Government requirements, track and trace will be impossible.

[Barry_Chuckle]

It's not too long ago when we were getting less than 6000 on for home games, with that in mind 6000 would be a good start.

[arise_sir_charge]

In my opinion, home fans only, scrap season tickets for a season and have all matches all ticket. It will be easier to manage those applications than it will to split season ticket groups etc.

I have a ST but don't fancy going based on what is rumoured to be the set up.

I go as much for the afternoon with my mates as I do the football so I'd likely be passing games up that I was offered if they weren't also offered the same games.

[tiger76]

A full solution..

Carry on without fans in the ground until it's safe to let them back in..

That's all fine and dandy for the PL clubs, and possibly even many Championship clubs, but what about the rest of the football pyramid, if there's no match day revenue I can't see how a lot of lower league clubs will survive, and that's the biggest concern in the football community.

[clarethomer]

I certainly aren't bothered to go with all the hassle that is undoubtedly going to come with it.

I would be happy to just keep on watching from home on the TV until I know I can enjoy the banter with those around me and those I attend with.

Maybe there could be a survey done by the club to see;

- How people attend the games - i.e. with members from their own home, with friends outside their own home etc.

- Whether they would still be happy to return if there was social distancing and covid -19 secure processes in place.

- Whether this would change if the games could not be viewed live in any other way. I.E. through clarets player or a broadcasting partner.

I think this would start to tell the club how fans are feeling. Given that the NW looks like its suffering the worst with lockdowns etc then I feel that we are going to be at the back of the queue with relaxation of rules.

[ClaretTony]

Why the big concern for away fans? Surely 500 more burnley fans is better

Because it’s not just about away fans at the Turf but at all games, including our away games. Nationally the supporters organisations are pushing for away fans to be involved.

[leelad]

Tricky one is this to resolve. It would be nice to see a situation where the 1st week of football matches with fans in stadia results in sell outs across all the grounds in the country. But that's not going to be the case as we all know, and it will be small baby steps I think over the course of next season. I would prefer to wait until August 2021 to get back to watching matches again at the turf. Hopefully there will be a vaccine by then? Just think it's a logistical nightmare to decide and agree on the correct set of operating conditions for watching matches in stadia next season. Each ground has its own setup, structure and environment. How can you apply these conditions across all football league grounds in the UK and also in the non leagues as well? Will it feel 'right' as a football fan to be watching games in this environment? For me watching football is about passion, excitement and a release from the day to day normalities of life. But I also accept that money talks and we have to start somewhere to get fans used to the new normal as a lot of football clubs finances are in a delicate place at this present time.

[bfcmik]

I have a 270 mile round trip in order to attend games, I sit with friends and acquaintances that I have sat near for several years now since the cricketfield stand was opened for home supporters again. I sincerely doubt that I would bother attending if the pre-match discussion or the in-game analysis and criticism and the sharing of the excitement when we score etc was not available to me. It would be pretty boring attending matches without being able to meet others!

[Wile E Coyote]

I realise some areas are facing additional restrictions, but after five months of this virus, how bad is it really?
Apart from the lunacy of allowing drinkers to congregate in pubs unmasked, the government are all over the shop with this now.
Has the NHS being overwhelmed ? No.
Thousands and thousands of people ignored ALL the guidelines anyway, but with people back at work, schools due back and flagrant disregard everywhere for mask wearing, Im not certain there's a point in keeping fans out much longer.
Ignorant though they were, the disgusting , littering pigs in leeds and liverpool turning out in droves to celebrate didn't seem to increase the figures for infection rates.
I feel the majority now are completely ignoring the advice, that is wrong, but are there still serious concerns .

[Grumps]

Because it’s not just about away fans at the Turf but at all games, including our away games. Nationally the supporters organisations are pushing for away fans to be involved.

Who asked them to push for that?

[ClaretTony]

Who asked them to push for that?

The members of the organisations

[clarethomer]

It's certainly inconsistent - I was told last week from someone who had been to Blackburn hospital that they had 9 people in there with Covid 19.

All the lockdown are on cases which have come through more testing so it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

[clitheroeclaret3]

Attended mums funeral last month in local church, 1st service allowed there since March.

Very strict conditions for it to go ahead.
Only 30 allowed to attend in a church seating 100s
NO hymn singing
NO standing

Translate that to watching footy at Turf

[Grumps]

The members of the organisations

Silly question probably, but who are the members, say for example at Burnley, and how and when were they asked for their views?

[GodIsADeeJay81]

That's all fine and dandy for the PL clubs, and possibly even many Championship clubs, but what about the rest of the football pyramid, if there's no match day revenue I can't see how a lot of lower league clubs will survive, and that's the biggest concern in the football community.

Lowe league clubs could ask their fans if they'd be willing to 'buy' match day tickets to help keep the club afloat.

[ClaretTony]

Silly question probably, but who are the members, say for example at Burnley, and how and when were they asked for their views?

The FSA for example has three different types of membership. They are affiliate for constituted supporter groups, associate for non constituted groups, which includes this website, and individual membership. They represent all fans and not home supporters.

[ClaretTony]

Attended mums funeral last month in local church, 1st service allowed there since March.

Very strict conditions for it to go ahead.
Only 30 allowed to attend in a church seating 100s
NO hymn singing
NO standing

Translate that to watching footy at Turf

I think it is so sad that people can’t say goodbye to those who have passed away.

[Grumps]

The FSA for example has three different types of membership. They are affiliate for constituted supporter groups, associate for non constituted groups, which includes this website, and individual membership. They represent all fans and not home supporters.

If they represent all supporters, when and how were the supporters asked about this issue?

[dsr]

A report in one paper today was that singing would be banned, so if it's atmosphere you are looking for I'd prepare to be disappointed.
If wearing a mask meant more could go I'd be happy with that as well.

If we all have to wear masks, how will they know who is singing?

[ClaretTony]

If they represent all supporters, when and how were the supporters asked about this issue?

Are you a member of the FSA? Are you a member of any of our supporters clubs?

[Grumps]

Are you a member of the FSA? Are you a member of any of our supporters clubs?

iam only asking about something I didn't know about.

The reason for asking is that just a short view of this thread shows that the majority would vote against away fans being allowed, so where are these organisations getting the views of supporters from.

[ClaretTony]

iam only asking about something I didn't know about.

The reason for asking is that just a short view of this thread shows that the majority would vote against away fans being allowed, so where are these organisations getting the views of supporters from.

I would say that groups at different clubs are getting it from their members. That’s what has happened with our supporter network and generally there are far more in favour than against away fans from what I’ve picked up in various meetings.

[jrgbfc]

In my opinion, home fans only, scrap season tickets for a season and have all matches all ticket. It will be easier to manage those applications than it will to split season ticket groups etc.

I have a ST but don't fancy going based on what is rumoured to be the set up.

I go as much for the afternoon with my mates as I do the football so I'd likely be passing games up that I was offered if they weren't also offered the same games.

I think there'll be plenty in the same boat tbh, particularly for a game against say, West Brom on Sky on a Monday night. How about every home game if you want to go you have to apply, then do a ballot of all applicants? Shouldn't be too hard to arrange.

[Grumps]

I would say that groups at different clubs are getting it from their members. That’s what has happened with our supporter network and generally there are far more in favour than against away fans from what I’ve picked up in various meetings.

I would guess, and granted I might be wrong, but supporters who join these organisations are the type who travel to away games, and therefore would have an interest in it being allowed
The majority of fans are not members of these organisations, so perhaps a way could be found to canvas their views

[Hibsclaret]

I doubt there will be away fans in all season which is the right thing to do for obvious reasons.

We need to walk before we run and the vast majority of home fans live close to the ground (certainly in our case).

I live over 200 miles away and I certainly won’t be going to home games involving that sort of travel bringing with it the added risk to my family and friends both in the Burnley area and where I live. It’s just common sense.

[ClaretTony]

We need to walk before we run and the vast majority of home fans live close to the ground (certainly in our case).

I wouldn’t think that’s the case.

[ClaretTony]

I would guess, and granted I might be wrong, but supporters who join these organisations are the type who travel to away games, and therefore would have an interest in it being allowed
The majority of fans are not members of these organisations, so perhaps a way could be found to canvas their views

I couldn’t say yes or no to that but I would say it’s disappointing that people don’t join.

[Hibsclaret]

I’d say far in excess of half of our home fans live within 10 miles of the club. If they are to let 30% of capacity in the stadium that should be fine for all season ticket holders within a radius of 10 miles.

If you get away fans coming via services etc and mingling in the local areas you bring more risk of the virus spreading. It is basic common sense until a cure is found.

[tiger76]

Lowe league clubs could ask their fans if they'd be willing to 'buy' match day tickets to help keep the club afloat.

They could but it's a tough economic climate for society as a whole, now whether they could arrange some form of webcam access on a PPV basis just for this season IDK, but that might be one option worth exploring, I know that there is probably already contracts in place for the TV rights. however surely the broadcasters must realise these are unique circumstances for everyone, and they'd be endangering their own product if they weren't flexible especially with the lower leagues, even if L1/L2 clubs could charge £5/10 for a game and show it on their official website, I assume in this day and age that wouldn't be too difficult, and this would at least ensure the clubs on the breadline are at least generating some income from a match day, it's not perfect but it's better than zero income, which is what they're getting right now, we need to try and be creative to ensure no other clubs go the way of Bury, and disappear from the league altogether. And if technology can play a part in that then all well and good.

[Bobzuruncle]

Given the circumstances and with limited attendance I too would favour home supporters only in the ground. As a paid up ST holder I would be quite miffed to be kept out of Turf Moor whilest 500 or so away fans are admitted.

[Hibsclaret]

When you add in the extra infrastructure requirements such as security, policing etc it really is a nonsense to consider away fans until we are back to absolute normality

[claretbob]

6000 home fans, no away ones. It’ll just be like the late 80s again and I seem to remember we made plenty of noise, even if much of it was aimed at our own players. As for attending me and my two claret daft lads would walk from Clitheroe and back if we had to. The pride we felt in those post lockdown performances needs to be expressed at the Turf ASAP and this 56 year old will take his chance with this poxy virus. Between 3pm and 5pm every Saturday or whenever the tv companies oblige us to play I’m a Bill Shankley man and with patience on all sides there is no reason at all why STH can’t watch 50% of the games with the other 50% watching a live stream laid on by the club.

[Grumps]

Perhaps those pushing the powers to allow away fans, should read the views of supporters on this message board...

[arise_sir_charge]

I couldn’t say yes or no to that but I would say it’s disappointing that people don’t join.

I expect it's only a very small % of fans that are members of these organisations.

I actually think that regardless of what groups want, the common sense approach is home fans only as it minimises the risks.

[ClaretTony]

Perhaps those pushing the powers to allow away fans, should read the views of supporters on this message board...

Which is a very small number of people

[Grumps]

Which is a very small number of people

It's more than saying let them in

Start a thread asking the question if you want a true reflection

[Hibsclaret]

Not sure what the relevance is of how many people think a certain way. What is going on is unprecedented and needs the minimal risk approach. People need to get a grip.

[ClaretTony]

It's more than saying let them in

Start a thread asking the question if you want a true reflection

I've been part of a question that has surveyed thousands so the numbers on here would not make any difference.

[Grumps]

I've been part of a question that has surveyed thousands so the numbers on here would not make any difference.

So I return to the original question, which burnley fans have been asked?

[ClaretTony]

So I return to the original question, which burnley fans have been asked?

I couldn't answer that but the whole network of supporter club members should have been.

[Bobzuruncle]

If away fans are allowed admittance in such times we could get to the situation where some fans from some teams see more away games than home games for their team. Anyway I agree with Hibs (even though I have tendencies to Hearts).

[Grumps]

I couldn't answer that but the whole network of supporter club members should have been.

Sorry to be a pain. Did you not say you are part of this process? Are you representing Burnley fans, or football fans in general?

[ClaretTony]

If away fans are allowed admittance in such times we could get to the situation where some fans from some teams see more away games than home games for their team. Anyway I agree with Hibs (even though I have tendencies to Hearts).

Love the bit in brackets.

Would be up to each club how they allocated the limited away tickets if we were to go down that route. You would hope they would employ some fairness in their allocations as you would with home tickets.

[arise_sir_charge]

It's a bit like asking members of the Labour party who should be in government to be honest. Asking supporters clubs was only going to get one answer.

Like I say though, it's irrelevant who you ask, risk has to the thing that is managed here and it's riskier to allow away fans than it is to go home fans only.