Coronavirus: Boris Johnson cancels pilot sport events over fears of second wave

Horse racing, cricket and snooker was due to welcome back limited numbers of fans this weekend but pilot events have been postponed for at least two weeks after an increase of coronavirus cases

Boris Johnson has announced that the designated sporting events to pilot the safe return of fans this weekend will no longer go ahead as scheduled due to fears of a coronavirus second wave.

The Prime Minister made the announcement on Friday afternoon after lockdown measures were strengthened in localised regions in the north of England on Thursday night, with the increasing number of coronavirus cases causing Saturday’s easing of restrictions postponed for another fortnight.

“We can’t just ignore this evidence,” Johnson said, with ONS data showing that new daily infections of coronavirus are up to 4,900 per day.

“We have to act rapidly in order to protect those we love, and we know measures such as these work.

“We’re postponing those changes for at least a fortnight.”

He added: “Pilots of larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will not take place.

"I said from May we would not hesitate to put on the brakes at the slightest sign that the numbers were going in the wrong direction."

The sporting events due to welcome back limited numbers of fans were due to be across horse racing, cricket and snooker this weekend, but fans now face an extended ban from attending.

Glorious Goodwood was due to welcome 4,000 racegoers to the Chichester racecourse this weekend, while 2,500 fans were due to be allowed into cricket matches at The Oval and Edgbaston for Surrey vs Middlesex and Warwickshire vs Northamptonshire respectively, with the first two days of each match used as a trial run for the eventual return of supporters.

The Crucible meanwhile was expecting up to 300 fans at each session as the Snooker World Championship got underway on Friday. It's understood that fans attending on the opening day of the Championship would be permitted to stay for the remainder of Friday afternoon's session, before doors shut to the public from Saturday morning.

A statement from Goodwood racecourse said: "We are very disappointed for those who were hoping to attend tomorrow's event and for all those who have worked so hard to make it possible for spectators to be present.

"We will engage with public health authorities and DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) over a rescheduled pilot at the earliest opportunity."

The statement, released jointly with the British Horseracing Authority and Race Course Association, added: “The Prime Minister is setting out the rationale for the government’s decision but we understand that concern about the national infection rate is the primary reason, and as a result all pilots of larger crowds in sporting venues will be postponed until at least 15 August.”

It’s understood that the sudden change in plans could cost Goodwood Racecourse a six-figure fee, with officials now seeking urgent talks with the government in an effort to minimise the losses.

Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said on Twitter: "Very disappointing news that with rise in infection rates we cannot press ahead with sports pilots with fans this weekend I know the huge efforts cricket, snooker & horseracing have made to welcome fans back.

"We'll keep working together on their safe return asap."

Cricket fans observe social distancing at The Kia Oval on Friday (PA)

The England and Wales Cricket Board issued an immediate statement to express their disappointment at the news that fans will not be able to return to games as hopes this weekend when the new Bob Willis Trophy gets under way, but fully accepted the reasons for the decision.

An ECB statement read: “We understand this is disappointing for supporters who have waited a long time to see their clubs in action and were looking forward to attending pilot events at The Kia Oval and Edgbaston this weekend.

“However, we understand the reasons the Government have made this decision, and remain ready to work with them to ensure supporters can safely return to stadiums when Government advice allows.

“We are pleased the Bob Willis Trophy will still begin this afternoon behind closed doors, and fans will be able to watch their teams in action through the online streams being provided.”