PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Treatment of football supporters during the covid-19 outbreak (11 October 2020)

That this House is opposed to the introduction of a charge of £14.95 per game to view the 150 Premier League matches not part of the existing broadcast deal; notes that these matches are currently being televised free of charge; acknowledges that football is being played behind closed doors due to covid-19 and whilst this may be difficult economically for football clubs it is also an effective way to keep our communities safe; recognises that current measures mean that up to 380,000 match going fans are missing out on seeing their team each week which is reducing their usual social contacts and affecting their mental wellbeing; acknowledges that fans are being asked to pay to view additional games that they are legally prevented from attending; agrees that the introduction of this charge ignores the social, economic and welfare plight of many in our communities, especially those now faced with Tier 3 restrictions; recognises that the introduction of this charge ignores the magnificent initiatives set up by football fans across the country during this pandemic such as foodbank collections, shopping deliveries, PPE production and distribution; agrees that football supporters have been exemplars of public citizenship in their communities during this crisis; calls on the Government to challenge and lobby the Premier League, it’s Member Clubs and the broadcasters to provide access to the 150 fixtures on free to air channels; and further calls on the Government to commence it’s promised fan led review on football governance as a matter of urgency.

Sponsored by:
Ian Byrne (Labour)