Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber fears supporters may stop watching football for good

BARNSLEY head coach Gerhard Struber admits that he is fearful that many football supporters may switch to other leisure diversions and pursuits if they cannot attend matches by the new year.
Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture: Tony Johnson.Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture: Tony Johnson.
Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture: Tony Johnson.

The Austrian's comments arrived after the government cancelled plans for fans to return to watch live sporting events in England from the start of October due to a steep rise in Covid-19 cases.

It is a move which will significantly increase the pressure on clubs who are struggling to make ends meet, particularly in the lower divisions and non-leagues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Struber is keeping his fingers crossed that the phasing back of supporters into football stadiums will arrive in time for Christmas if rate is brought back under control, but it is far from certain.

Struber, whose side visit Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, said: "This is bad news that we have to wait with supporters in the stadiums.

"It is a difficult situation to handle the virus and in every country, there are big problems with the numbers going up. No country has the situation in the hand.

"The advice from the government is here and we have to make the best of this moment. It is disappointing when we heard that there is no chance supporters will come back in October and we hope (they can) later.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It is difficult for everyone and I hope we get the supporters back in December. This is the wish.

"At this moment, it is very difficult for the clubs and players to play without supporters in the stadiums and atmospheres and this is a surreal feeling. It is difficult.

"But when we have a situation without supporters for the next few months - or longer - it is a big impact for every club in England and the whole world.

"It becomes a big financial topic and maybe some supporters find other interests and this is very dangerous for football.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I hope that normal life comes quickly back. But at the moment when I look at the situation in the whole of Europe, I do not see light at the end of the tunnel with coronavirus.

"It is difficult and we have to learn a little about our new life with the virus and new structure in our daily life."

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.