Government publish guidelines for safe return of spectators to sporting events as spectators set to return to the League of Ireland this week

Spectators will return to the League of Ireland this week in limited numbers with 100 spectators allowed for the upcoming games. 

Two football matches this week are part of the 16 pilot events that the government have sanctioned over the next two months.

In Cork, 600 spectators will be allowed in Turner’s Cross for this Friday’s First Division clash between Cork City and Cabinteely.

In Tallaght Stadium, 1,000 fans will be able to attend Shamrock Rovers’ game against Finn Harps. Friday marks 469 days since fans last attended a game at the Dublin 24 venue - 7,522 supporters packed into the stadium then to watch Shamrock Rovers beat Dundalk 3-2 in February last year. 

On Monday, the government published their guidelines for the safe return of spectators to sports events – see here.

The guidelines were developed from a combined working group including the FAI, the IRFU and the GAA with other Sporting bodies represented via Sport Ireland. 

·   Contract tracing will be tied to each ticket that will be held for 28 days, to enable help the HSE if there is a case linked to the event. 

·   Fans will need to wear masks throughout the events, will be seated and socially distanced from other fans. 

·   For the trial events, no food and beverages will be available. 

Shamrock Rovers have allocated a ticket to each of their club members – 550 in total – with members able to download their e-ticket today. The remaining tickets up to the 1,000 capacity will be allocated to season ticket holders.  

Temperature checks will be carried out with spectators before entry to Tallaght Stadium and an epidemiological form must be completed before entering the grounds - completed no earlier than 24 hours before and no later than 3 hours before the 8pm kick-off.

Cork City are inviting season ticket holders to apply for tickets for their game against Cabinteely.

In conjunction with the FAI, the club have issued a code of conduct for attendance which can be viewed here and sets out a number of requirements that need to be adhered to including ‘refrain from hugging, high fives, or any close contact with people who are not within your social bubble’. 

Stephen Kenny: 'It is terrific to be going into the game with supporters. The sense of passion around the stadium is so important to the players – they feed off it.' https://t.co/25RAHBBkCrpic.twitter.com/RPfeugojaT

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) June 7, 2021