Nottingham Forest have set out plans for fans attending games at the City Ground in light of the introduction of new coronavirus restrictions.
The rules for spectators going to matches have changed from today, with Boris Johnson’s ‘Plan B’ measures coming into force in England.
Fans attending a venue holding more than 10,000 people must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of the match.
Reds chief executive Dane Murphy said: “We at the club are extremely grateful for the fantastic support we have received so far this season, both at the City Ground and on our travels.
“We have the second highest average home attendance in the Championship and are expecting another large crowd on Saturday, and for our Christmas and New Year fixtures against Huddersfield, Barnsley and Arsenal.
“Supporters will need a COVID pass or negative test result to enter the City Ground. We ask supporters to please prepare in advance by uploading your NHS COVID pass, or proof of negative COVID test, and arrive as early as possible.
“These new measures are important to help supporters attend the City Ground in safety. We will keep supporters updated as and when the guidance issued by the Government changes.
“We thank our supporters in advance for their patience as we embed these new procedures to the matchday experience at the City Ground.”
The new matchday measures, which apply to all supporters aged 18 and over, will come into effect from this weekend’s match at home to Hull City.
The club say: “There are three key messages for supporters - you need a COVID pass, or negative COVID test result; prepare in advance; arrive early
“To enter the City Ground, in addition to a match ticket, supporters will need to provide one of the followin:- DIGITAL NHS COVID PASS (preferred), or PAPER NHS COVID PASS, or NEGATIVE COVID TEST (evidence of a negative COVID test within 48 hours of kick off).
“Entry to the stadium is dependent on the supporter being fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved vaccine, or providing a negative COVID test.
“Supporters' documentation will be checked by staff outside the turnstiles.”
The club have asked: “To minimise queuing to enter the City Ground, supporters are asked to please prepare in advance of reaching the stadium.
“Download your digital NHS COVID pass in advance and have it ready for inspection as you approach the stadium.
“This will minimise the reliance on Wi-Fi or phone signal at the ground and reduce queues for entry to the stadium.
“If you do not have access to a mobile phone, please bring a paper NHS Covid pass.
“If you do not have a digital or paper NHS COVID pass, please bring evidence of a negative COVID test taken at least 48 hours ahead of kick-off.
“For the Hull City fixture on Saturday, this means a negative test after 3pm on Thursday, December 16, 2021. The negative test can either be a lateral flow test or a PCR test.
“You will receive a text message and/or e-mail confirmation from the NHS which must be presented for entry to the stadium (rather than the physical test itself).
“Proof of a negative test is not required if you have an NHS COVID pass.”
Fans - aged 12 and over, unless medically exempt - are asked to wear a face covering when entering the ground, on the concourse area and when moving around hospitality areas.
Forest are encouraging fans to arrive early, to allow for extra time to accommodate the additional checks required, with turnstiles set to open at 1.30pm.
The club have also reduced the prices of refreshments to encourage early arrival.
And they add: “Please respect our staff who are there to help you on matchdays. As Saturday is the first fixture with the additional measures, please be tolerant if queues start to build.
“Please note that these new measures are a legal requirement and anybody supplying false or misleading information might be fined up to £10,000 under new legislation.”
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