Wembley's increased capacity will be the largest sporting event in London since March 2020
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Wembley’s capacity increase for Euros a “big leap” from previous regulations with potential long-term effects according to NHS.
Wembley Stadium will have at least 60,000 fans in the stands for the Euro semi-final and final this year. Both games will take place over a week before restrictions are set to ease July 19th.
NHS sports physiotherapist Emma Lee spoke out about her concerns over the process. While Emma says this is a great moment for football fans, her main concern is the capacity increasing too soon.
The increased Wembley capacity would be at 75% while other sporting events throughout `England continue to operate at 25%.
NHS workers are worried more fans being allowed at Wembley stadium could cause a further delay in the reopening of the country. Credit: Getty Images
Environment secretary George Eustice defended the decision to allow foreign Uefa officials to come to Wembley without isolating. The criticism came during today’s MP question time as many other events such as Notting Hill carnival have been canceled this summer.
Extension of ‘freedom day’
With this level of capacity, Emma says concerns over the virus and how to manage it has “been forgotten.” She notes that as “freedom day” has already been pushed back to July 19th, we are risking a further extension for the “sake of one or two games.”
Emma Lee also discusses the health risk sports tourists could bring. With England fans traveling to Portugal for the Champion’s League final last month, the opening of borders brings international football fans to Wembley.
Professor Kevin Fenton of Public Health England (PHE) insists there are sufficient protocols in place to make this a safe event. He emphasises the continued importance of vaccine uptake for Londoners for building confidence in safety by July 19th.
While specialists like Emma recognise the excitement this brings for fans, she stresses the decision makes NHS workers nervous for potential consequences.
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HeadlineWembley capacity concerns specialists as Delta variant continues to rise
Short HeadlineWembley football capacity 'not wise' says specialist
StandfirstNHS worker says we are risking further lockdowns for the 'sake of a few games'.
Wembley’s capacity increase for Euros a “big leap” from previous regulations with potential long-term effects according to NHS.
Wembley Stadium will have at least 60,000 fans in the stands for the Euro semi-final and final this year. Both games will take place over a week before restrictions are set to ease July 19th.
NHS sports physiotherapist Emma Lee spoke out about her concerns over the process. While Emma says this is a great moment for football fans, her main concern is the capacity increasing too soon.
The increased Wembley capacity would be at 75% while other sporting events throughout `England continue to operate at 25%.
NHS workers are worried more fans being allowed at Wembley stadium could cause a further delay in the reopening of the country. Credit: Getty Images
Environment secretary George Eustice defended the decision to allow foreign Uefa officials to come to Wembley without isolating. The criticism came during today’s MP question time as many other events such as Notting Hill carnival have been canceled this summer.
Extension of ‘freedom day’
With this level of capacity, Emma says concerns over the virus and how to manage it has “been forgotten.” She notes that as “freedom day” has already been pushed back to July 19th, we are risking a further extension for the “sake of one or two games.”
Emma Lee also discusses the health risk sports tourists could bring. With England fans traveling to Portugal for the Champion’s League final last month, the opening of borders brings international football fans to Wembley.
Professor Kevin Fenton of Public Health England (PHE) insists there are sufficient protocols in place to make this a safe event. He emphasises the continued importance of vaccine uptake for Londoners for building confidence in safety by July 19th.
While specialists like Emma recognise the excitement this brings for fans, she stresses the decision makes NHS workers nervous for potential consequences.
