Who’d have thought the prospect of watching football would generate such excitement? It’s like everything, you only miss it once it’s gone.
The return of fans, even in limited numbers, suggests we’ll never take match spectating for granted again.
There’s already a buzz of anticipation ahead of Chelsea Women v West Ham this Sunday, where 700 will be allowed in to Kingsmeadow for an intriguing derby.
Each and every one will have to fill in a two-side Covid declaration, be temperature-checked, show a driving licence or passport as ID, wear a facemask and have a valid printed-out ticket.
It’s all a far cry from pushing through a turnstile while juggling a hot dog in one hand and a Styrofoam cup of Bovril in the other.
Covid-era spectators must stay in their seats, use sanitiser every few paces, wear masks throughout the game, and steer clear of hugs and high-fives.
You are also advised to ‘take extreme care’ when shouting, singing or celebrating.
Whether this means Emma Hayes and her in-form, ever-improving team – back now from international duties – will be urged to keep the scoring down remains to be seen.
Chelsea’s men test out the procedures when 2,000 fans are allowed back in for Chelsea v Leeds at Stamford Bridge the previous day, with some supporters being urged to arrive THREE HOURS before kick-off to go through the lengthy entry checks.
I never thought the memory of boiling Bovril and ketchuppy sausages would be so alluring.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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