The government announced that a maximum of 10,000 spectators or 25 per cent of total capacity at outdoor seated events (whichever is lower), could be allowed in stadiums from May 17th.
Last Game of the Season
If everything goes according to plan, West Ham could have 10,000 fans for the last game of the season against Southampton on May 23rd.
However, a final decision by the government can be made as late as May 10th, when they will give notice on the next stage of their roadmap.
Fan Reaction
West Ham fan, Alex Smith, said:
“It’s only one game and we’ve played well with no fans. But [having fans back] will make a difference next season when stadiums should be full.”
When asked how no fans has affected West Ham, another West Ham fan, Finley Jackson, responded by saying:
“Like with all the clubs mainly, [it] just means they’re losing their matchday income & revenue.”
Sporting Consideration
Fans were originally due to return to stadiums from October 1st but the government had a change of plans due to a spike in infections nationwide.
As a result of having no fans for almost a year on 19th November, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced a £300 million “winter survival package” of loans and grants to sports areas including women’s football and the lower tiers of National League football.
