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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Anonymous Glenavon supporter makes kind-hearted donation to club

An anonymous Glenavon supporter has made a kind-hearted donation to the club.

The fan donated a three-figure sum to help the Lurgan Blues amid the coronavirus crisis.

Irish League clubs have been hit hard by Covid restrictions, with their revenue streams impacted by factors such as reduced attendances and temporary closure of social clubs.

Glenavon chairman Adrian Teer praised the fan for their donation, and believes it isn't the first time the supporter has pledged money to the club.

"It is an anonymous supporter, and we think this person has done this the last couple of seasons as well," Teer said.

"It is very much appreciated during these tough times. It shows you the loyalty that some of our fans have, and the understanding of the situation we currently find ourselves in.

"Local football is in a crisis right now - all clubs are struggling. It is early days yet, but the simple equation is we don't have enough money to meet our contract wages to the end of the season.

"That's it in a nutshell.

"We don't have any income from gate receipts because of the reduced attendances. We can't fundraise because fans can't come together under current restrictions."

Glenavon had 400 fans in attendance for Saturday's Danske Bank Premiership curtain-raiser against derby rivals Portadown.

Teer believes local clubs have already proved they can safely accommodate a limited number of supporters at games.

"We can control our crowds and look after them," Teer added.

"Spectators are the lifeblood of the game, no matter what level you're talking about.

"You can see with the Premier League games on TV, there is no atmosphere without the fans.

"Without supporters there is no football. They are paramount to making the game as successful and popular as it is."

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