Quote:
Originally Posted by crmalcolm
Why do people think MSV (as a business) will be treated any differently to the rest of sport in the UK?
TOCA have continuously stated that they are not intending to interfere with Govt guidance, and will abide by their regulations.
MSA (which is now Motorsport UK): 'Currently, the Motorsport UK guidance does not provide for spectators'
If the whole of professional football is not looking any earlier than October for a minimal return of spectators, personally I think the Govt have got much more pressing things to consider than pleasing one company's wish to go against the rest of the country. The only hope (as I see it) is for a BTCC event to be included in the pilot events for spectator return. Although with cricket already included in the pilots, it's difficult for motorsport to put a valid case forward.
'The Government has announced that a small number of sporting events will be used to pilot the safe return of spectators through late July and early August – with a view to reopen competition venues for sports fans, with social distancing measures in place, from October 2020.
The events have been carefully selected to represent a range of sports and indoor and outdoor spectator environments. They are expected to include two men’s county cricket friendly matches - such as Surrey v Middlesex at The Oval on 26-27 July - the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre from 31 July, and the Glorious Goodwood horse racing festival on 1 August. There are also likely to be further pilot events for other sports, in order to build up to and prepare for the full, socially distanced return of sporting events from October 1, 2020. '
The decision has nothing to do with the amount of fans either. Elite sports that attract spectator figures typically below 5,000 are affected in the same way. |
No one is saying MSV are looking to be treated any differently.
They have already been holding race meetings and there hasn't been any attempt to stop them from doing so.
Professional football is a different entity, not only have you got the pinch points at entry and exit, you are also sitting close to others, just because the stadiums have got a large hole in the roof, it doesn't mean you aren't within a confined space. Add to that the shouting and singing of the fans which can spread the virus.
The meetings that MSV have already held and continue to hold, can already be used as a pilot because the spectators are in smaller numbers from that MSV and the governing bodies they have been working with can see what further measures are required to keep things safe for greater numbers.
There may well be some elite sports with smaller attendances, but as with football the constraints of the venue in which it takes place could be a deciding factor on why they are unable to have spectators. So you'd be wrong to say it has nothing to do with the number of spectators the event attracts.