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Coronavirus

16th Sep 2020

Chris Wilder questions how fans can return to stadiums under Rule of Six

Wayne Farry

“We can have 1,000 people in a ground, but I can’t go and have a pint with my mates unless there’s only six of us”

Sheffield United manager has highlighted the inconsistencies in the government’s approach to coronavirus by questioning how the newly implemented Rule of Six can allow the return of football fans to stadiums across the country.

Wilder was asked about the planned government pilot scheme which will see up to 1,000 fans allowed into nine selected EFL games over the weekend.

His response was blunt, and questioned how so many supporters could be allowed into a football stadium, while he and many others aren’t sure whether they can visit family or have a drink with friends.

“I just don’t where we are with it all, I’ve got to say. I haven’t got a clue,” he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Blades’ EFL Cup tie with Burnley on Thursday.

“Am I allowed to see my nan? Am I allowed to see my mum? But then we can have 1,000 people in a ground but we can’t have 15,000 and then I can’t go and have a pint with my mates unless there’s only six of us.

“So I’ve got to say I’m like the majority of the people in this country have not got a clue what’s going off… haven’t got a clue.

“If anybody can help me. I’ll try and affect that game of football and help with the staff and the boys getting a result but everything else, all that other stuff, I ain’t got a clue.”

The government and the EFL are in ongoing discussions currently ahead of a proposed return of fans to stadiums by October 1.