MX23RW : Monday, June 7 09:44:36| >> :600:572355:572355:

Swansea and Newport fans given green light for semi-final ties

Swansea and Newport fans given green light for semi-final ties
© Reuters
Supporters have been prevented from entering stadiums in Wales since coronavirus restrictions began in March 2020.

The Welsh Government has confirmed that Swansea and Newport fans will be permitted to watch next week's EFL play-off semi-final ties.

The games will mark the first time supporters have been able to return to stadiums in Wales since coronavirus restrictions began in March 2020.

Newport will become the first Welsh sporting organisation to host fans, with 900 tickets made available for their Sky Bet League Two play-off home tie with Forest Green on May 18.

Swansea will have 3,000 fans present for their Championship play-off return leg with Barnsley on May 22.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: "The EFL is delighted to note that supporters have been formally permitted to attend both Swansea City and Newport County's forthcoming Sky Bet play-off semi-final fixtures.

"Having fans present at each and every play-off fixture will be a welcome boost to all those connected to clubs and will bring back some of the magical play-off atmosphere that is a feature of the EFL's much loved season finale.

"We welcome the final confirmation that has now been provided and thank the Welsh Government, local authorities and all those who have been involved in getting fans back for these exciting ties.

Trevor Birch file photo
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch is delighted that fans are returning to Welsh stadiums for the first time since March 2020 (Mike Egerton/PA)

"Hopefully the insight gained from these fixtures and the Welsh Government's wider pilot programme will play an important role in getting fans in Wales back through the turnstiles in large numbers for the start of next season."

Both clubs will make tickets free of charge via a ballot system.

Swansea chief executive Julian Winter said: "As a football club we are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome supporters back to the Liberty Stadium for the first sporting pilot event in Wales.

"It is imperative that we show all stakeholders and governing bodies that we are in full control of this test event and we call on supporters who are successful in obtaining tickets that they follow all the instructions outlined.

"This is a momentous occasion for everyone associated with the club and I would like to thank everyone involved for getting it across the line at such short notice.

"We cannot wait to be reunited with our supporters for the first time since March 2020 and we hope that those supporters who are successful in the ballot have an enjoyable experience, because we've missed you all immensely."

Newport chairman Gavin Foxall said: "My thanks to our club staff, Rodney Parade and multiple stakeholders who have come together in a relatively short space of time to ensure our play-off fixture can operate as a pilot event for the safe return of fans."

The games are part of nine pilot test events in Wales announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford last month.

The series of test events include Wales' European Championship warm-up game against Albania at the Cardiff City Stadium on June 5, when 4,000 fans will be present, and the four-day LV= Insurance County Championship fixture between Glamorgan and Lancashire at Sophia Gardens.

ID:447421: cacheID:447421:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7929:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Wales assistant manager Robert Page pictured on November 15, 2020
Read Next:
Robert Page has taken full control of Euro 2020 preparations
>

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CCheltenham TownCheltenham4624101261392282
5Newport CountyNewport4620131357421573
6Forest Green RoversForest Green462013135951873
7Tranmere RoversTranmere462013135550573
8Salford City4619141354342071
9Exeter CityExeter4618161271502170
10Carlisle UnitedCarlisle461812166051966
11Leyton Orient461710195355-261
12Crawley TownCrawley461613175662-661
13Port Vale46179205757060
14Stevenage461418144141060
15Bradford CityBradford461611194853-559
16Mansfield TownMansfield461319145755258
17Harrogate TownHarrogate46169215261-957
18Oldham AthleticOldham46159227281-954
19Walsall461120154553-853
20Colchester UnitedColchester461118174461-1751
21Barrow461311225359-650
22Scunthorpe UnitedScunthorpe46139244164-2348
RSouthend UnitedSouthend461015212958-2945
RGrimsby Town461013233769-3243

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!