Matlock Town boss Paul Phillips describes fan ban as ‘farcical’

Paul Phillips is critical of the onoing ban on supporters.

Supporters are currently not allowed into stadiums until further notice following the latest Government guidance.

It has led to a nationwide #LetFansIn protest from clubs and supporters who fear teams will go to the wall without fans’ revenue.

“It is farcical,” he said. “A lot of time and effort has gone into playing the Premier League and European competitions because of the revenue that would be lost at a higher level.

“Our level of football has been neglected by the FA and cubs like Droyslden and others are going to the wall.

“There were fans at the World Championship snooker final at the weekend. If you steward it right, keeping social distancing is the easiest thing to do for a non-league club.

“If you can keep it to a number that is not breaking any rules we can do it. I feel like we are at the bottom of the pile and being treated like mud.

“I feel sorry for the players, the committees and the many people in non-league who put the money in and the volunteers who put the time and effort in. It is not right how we are being treated.

“We have spoken to other clubs who have had colour-coded seats put in stands and put in COVID officers to make sure there is segregation as soon as people enter the ground.

“I don’t understand what the hold up is. If non-league football made the Government money this would have been sorted out weeks ago.

“It is just going to get to the point where you will put clubs out of business.”

Matlock drew their latest pre-season friendly 0-0 at Brighouse Town on Saturday.