Sports clubs react after supporters banned from attending games due to Omicron

With Omicron cases rising by the day, supporters have been banned from attending sports matches in Wales.

The restriction comes into force on Boxing Day, meaning the likes of Cardiff City, Swansea City, the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby will be forced to play in empty stadiums until restrictions are lifted once again.

But these new rules, which were announced by the Welsh Government following their Covid review on Monday, will also affect sports clubs in the heart of the communities across Caerphilly County Borough.

The Welsh Government has said a £3m support package will be available to clubs affected by the new rules, but further details won’t be available until discussions have been held with the sector.

Bedwas RFC was set to host a Boxing Day fixture, but this has since been called off.

Bedwas RFC director Peter Browning told Caerphilly Observer he was disappointed at the announcement but said: “It’s all about keeping people safe at the end of the day.

“Nobody’s happy about it but the last thing you’d want is to go into hospital with Omicron.”

Mr Browning added: “It’s one of those things. You can’t do much about it.”

He said he was unsure if the club’s league fixture with Tata Steel on January 8 will go ahead if restrictions remain in place.

He added the club is waiting to hear more about the support being offered by the Welsh Government.

Mr Browning’s views were echoed by the chairman of local rivals Caerphilly RFC, Gareth Ashman.

Mr Ashman said the club has also cancelled its Boxing Day match due to rising Omicron cases and said he supported the measures introduced by the Welsh Government.

Mr Ashman said: “We’re content because it’s important to safeguard our supporters and players. It’ll hit us financially, but I think the restrictions are needed looking at the Omicron figures.”

Meanwhile, Aber Valley Football Club coach Dean Wood said the team has no fixtures planned over the Christmas period, with the club’s next outing, at home to Porthcawl, set to be played on January 8.

However, Mr Wood said he was concerned about the impact the restrictions could have on mental health.

The Football Association of Wales has said it will be speaking with affected clubs, the National League board and broadcasters and will release a statement “in due course”.