Why are we waiting? Non-League fans still banned from first two tiers

Frustration is beginning to build amongst club officials and fans connected with the first two tiers of the non-league pyramid.

While pubs, restaurants and other sectors have returned to some kind of normality, supporters are still banned from attending games in the National League, the National League North, and the National League South.

After months of inactivity on the pitch due to the coronavirus outbreak, clubs were finally allowed to compete against each other in pre-season friendlies at the beginning of August, but fans were still prohibited from attending games under Government ruling.

However, the ban was finally lifted last weekend - but only for clubs that compete in step three and below of the non-league pyramid.

The decision has been met with a wave of criticism from the football community, as club’s in the first two tiers, including Curzon Ashton, are unable to generate any revenue from ticket, food and drink sales.

In a bid to reverse the decision, Tracey Crouch MP has produced a cross party letter titled ‘Let Fans In’, which has been sent to Nigle Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport.

The letter has been supported by Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner, who has close ties to the local football scene as a patron for Ashton United in the Community.

The letter reads: Thank you for your helpful reply to the letter drafted by Dame Cheryl Gillan and Tracey Crouch relating to the return of fans to Non-League Football Clubs. It was welcome news that Steps 3 and below are allowed to open their gates to a percentage of fans, which the FA has now clarified as 15% at Stage 1 and 30% at Stage 2. This will be a small step forward in providing financial support for clubs in the heart of English communities up and down the country.

However, there are still 67* Non-League Clubs in the National league and National League North and South, some of whom we represent in Parliament, whose gates remain closed to their fans, despite the fact that some of these clubs have smaller average attendances than those in Steps lower than them.

While we appreciate that Steps 1 and 2 are defined as ‘elite’ (players deriving a living from playing) Clubs and players do not enjoy the same revenue streams as elite league football and will inevitably struggle financially from the continuing ban on spectators.”

“We are therefore writing to you to urgently announce plans for the return of fans to Step 1 and 2 Clubs. This would be a huge relief to those trying to balance the finances of these clubs, whose future remains perilous but importance in our local communities should never be underestimated’.”

Curzon chairman Wayne Salkeld has been left angered by the decision, telling Reporter Sport: "It’s ridiculous and has come about because of the playoffs. The league had to secure elite status to let them go ahead. We've also been told that we need a medical covid officer to cover our covid plan, which in turn costs us more because we are classed as elite. It’s a ridiculous decision from the league and it has put extra financial burden on the club."

Avid Nash fan Gaz Weston tweeted: “Brilliant Angela ,Glad I tweeted you about this six days ago and you have acted on it. Great stuff”