Football matches given the red card

Footballers in Blackburn with Darwen have been advised not to arrange or play friendly games until further notice.

Lancashire Football Association say such gatherings contravene local measures imposed by the government and are not permitted.

It follows complaints that groups gathered and football matches were played on the locked Witton 3G pitches and Pleckgate Playing fields, without permission from the school, causing damage and against the current Covid-19 restrictions which are in place in Blackburn with Darwen.

Clubs from outside this borough are also asked to decline any invitations to play friendly matches with Blackburn with Darwen clubs until further notice. There will be no festivals or tournaments sanctioned in the borough until further notice as a result.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader Mohammed Khan said:

It is important that we all follow the local restrictions that are in place in Blackburn with Darwen because we are an area of high risk. We all need to work together and do the right thing to defeat this virus and protect vulnerable members of our communities.”

Jo Siddle, head of education at Blackburn with Darwen Council said:

Playing football games is not permitted on any school playing fields. Damage has been caused by the recent games and that is not acceptable.”

Chief Inspector Jon Bullas, of Lancashire Police, said:

All the current restrictions in Blackburn with Darwen are there to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and keep everyone in the area safe.  Our overall approach will be very much focused on community engagement so people understand the rules and why it is important to follow them.

As we have throughout the pandemic, we will encourage people and only enforce as a final option. The vast majority of people across Blackburn, Darwen and the wider county have shown real personal responsibility so far and we’d urge everyone to carry on doing so.”

In a statement, the Lancashire Football Association said:

In recent days it has become apparent that several boroughs within the county are witnessing growing rates of viral transmission which have, in some cases, seen the easing of restrictions being postponed indefinitely.

We believe that as the governing body for football in Lancashire we do not just have a responsibility to the game at all levels but also to wider society. We must constantly make sure that football plays an active part in eradicating the virus by ensuring the guidance we issue does not contravene or conflict with either national or local conditions.

It is critical that clubs fully brief all coaches to ensure that the guidelines are strictly adhered to at all times, with robust hygiene standards and registration of attendees, so football can make a positive contribution to preventing further lockdown measures in those areas.”

What can I do?

Staying active is an important way of protecting yourself against coronavirus. However, all exercise and sport should be enjoyed in line with Government guidelines.

Current national guidance means people can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces in groups of no more than six people. If the group is just people from only two households, more than six people can meet. You cannot meet people you do not live with in a private garden.

At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with, unless they are in your support bubble.

Further information is available at https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/coronavirus/