Carlisle criticised for lowering capacity to bypass Plan B restrictions

Daniel Brown

The decision has been met with mixed opinions

Carlisle United have capped their stadium capacity at 9,999 so that it is below the threshold for the government’s ‘Plan B’ outdoor event Covid passport requirements.

The governments new covid rules – which came into force on Wednesday – require people to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result when attending matches with 10,000 or more spectators.

This will evidently impact numerous clubs throughout England, yet, United have stated that, alongside capping their stadium capacity, fans would not be required to wear face coverings within the stadium bowl or in hospitality areas.

However, as per government guidelines, supporters aged 11 or over will be required to wear masks in general concourse areas, while advice has been given to wear them in other congested areas.

The Blues – who have an average attendance of 4,765 – have released a Covid-19 spectators’ code of conduct, which requires fans to submit name and address details and also offers “no quibble refunds” to anyone who might not be able to attend because of coronavirus.

Carlisle’s decision to limit their capacity so that it is below the threshold for the government’s Covid passport requirements has attracted criticism from some fans.

Some supporters have suggested that it benefits unvaccinated people and puts fans at unnecessary risk as – in instances where nearly 10,000 supporters would be present – they can attend without presenting a negative covid test.

https://twitter.com/SamWestover1/status/1471144339455758340

https://twitter.com/Lesism/status/1471125334510690318

This is ridiculous. @officialcufc claiming they are operating at a reduced capacity to avoid complying with the new covid requirements. New 'reduced' capacity is 9,999. Average home attendance this season 4,765. Biggest crowd this season 7,470 😂 https://t.co/W9KxBXazbJ

— Dave (@skybluedave74) December 15, 2021

Half full stadia so the unvaccinated don't have to show a negative test. Gotta feel for the Carlisle fans that can no longer get tickets for this BS https://t.co/azjC2XB1na

— Simon (@analytic_footy) December 15, 2021

United’s decision follows Lincoln – who also made the choice to cap their capacity at 9,999. The Imps insisted their decision was down to “available resources” and managing the cost and impact of implementing the review of passes on a match day.

“Following conversations with the authorities and the EFL we will be reducing our capacity to below 10,000 while the current restrictions apply,” said Lincoln City’s chief executive Liam Scully.

“Which ultimately means there is no requirement to implement these checks at present.

“We think this is a measured approach given our available resources. The industry is already experiencing significant shortages of event staff and the requirement to provide further staffing resources, which Covid passport checks undoubtedly would, will only increase this pressure.

“From our perspective, adding the number of staff necessary to undertake checks and provide the necessary services is a logistical challenge which would add a significant cost to our matchday operations.

“Our number one priority is looking after each other – and we urge our fans to follow the regulations and play their part in helping mitigate the spread of the virus.”

Like Carlisle, League One side Lincoln also have an average attendance below the 10,000 threshold, with the Imps’ average attendance being 8,645.

Michael Appleton’s side had their biggest crowd then they welcomed Ipswich to the LNER Stadium this season, which saw 9,874 fans attend the match.

Carlisle’s biggest attendance came in the Cumbrian derby with Barrow when 7,470 fans were present.

In League One, ten of the 24 clubs have recorded a gate higher than 10,000 this season, whereas Bradford City are the only team to have attracted a crowd of more than 10,000 in League Two.

As the government’s guidance relates to attendance rather than capacity, clubs are able to set their capacities at whatever they want in order to avoid the possibility of triggering the need to implement the covid passport scheme.

Carlisle’s decision to limit their capacity so that it is below the threshold for the government’s Covid passport requirements has attracted criticism from some fans.

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