Griffin can envisage tighter COVID restrictions being brought back in for football

Should COVID cases continue to rise across the country, Maidenhead United chairman Peter Griffin can see a scenario where tighter restrictions and protocols are brought back for matches at all levels.

United have been badly impacted by COVID this season, with more than half the squad having tested positive for the virus at one stage or another.

However, the team are preparing for their Boxing Day clash at Wealdstone FC and their home matches after that against Bromley on December 28, and Wealdstone again on January 2.

Griffin is confident most non-league clubs can continue to stage games safely, however, tougher COVID rules have been introduced in Wales and Scotland with sporting events set to be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day and there is a fear that England will follow suit.

Last season Maidenhead were permitted to admit a certain percentage of their capacity for a handful of games to enable supporters to stay socially distanced in the ground, and the Government and leagues may choose to implement this measure before taking the controversial decision to play matches behind closed doors.

“It can be done safely,” added Griffin. “You restrict the numbers to enable people to have more space and cordon off rows of seats so that people aren’t so close to each other.

“But we’ll have to wait and see what restrictions come in, for everyone. I don’t know whether it will be a light touch or more of a dramatic lockdown after Christmas. It’s just a wait and see what the data comes back with and let’s see if the NHS can cope.”

He added: “Football is a non-essential thing, but it also helps a lot of people get through these periods.

“It would be such a shame if we weren’t able to carry as we are, or at least in some way even if crowds are reduced.

“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen because coming along to the open outdoors to watch a game in Maidenhead is pretty low risk, compared to other activities.”