COMMUNITIES minister Carál Ní Chuilín has warned that large gatherings at sporting events will “increase the risk” of coronavirus spreading.
The Sinn Féin minister reiterated her concerns after holding a virtual meeting with more than 70 sporting groups yesterday.
It came after she issued a letter on Friday stating that spectators are not permitted under new Covid restrictions introduced last week.
The notice was sent out an hour before kick-off in the first match of the new Irish League soccer season at Coleraine Showgrounds, sparking confusion as fans had already started to arrive.
First minister Arlene Foster later contradicted her, tweeting that “the existing position is maintained, permitting a limited number to attend".
“Preposterous for clubs to be told anything to the contrary.”
Four-week 'circuit-breaker' regulations which came into force on Friday state that no indoor sport or organised contact sport involving mixing of households, other than at elite level, can take place and no mass events involving more than 15 people, except for allowed outdoor sporting events where risk assessment has been carried out.
Speaking after yesterday's meeting, the minister said she appreciated the efforts made by sporting bodies “to provide safe environments for the return of spectators”.
“However, in light of the increase in Covid incidences and the most recent health advice from our leading public health and science experts that it is unwise for large gatherings to take place at this time, I wrote to the main sporting codes to advise them that in my view they should no longer continue to permit a limited number of spectators attend games.
“Sporting events with hundreds of spectators present will result in the mixing of households, unnecessary travel and potentially increase the risk of the virus spreading not just amongst those attending but also into the local communities who live close to sporting venues.
“That in my opinion is not sending out the right message to society given the gravity of our situation.”
Ms Ní Chuilín said her officials will continue to work with governing bodies to assess “the financial impact of having to play games behind closed doors”.
She said she assured the sector that “work is ongoing for a hardship package”.
The GAA, which has voluntarily banned spectators from its matches, previously came in for criticism after large numbers attended some club games this summer and in some cases fans ignored social distancing during post-match celebrations.
Yesterday's meeting came ahead of another full soccer fixture list this weekend, while Ulster Rugby are playing at home in Belfast on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Irish Football Association issued a statement welcoming the fact that fans "will still be admitted at elite sporting events which are allowed under the regulations".
It is understood that the position of the IFA has not changed since that statement.
A spokeswoman for Ulster Rugby said it is in “proactive dialogue” with the executive and it is “too early to comment on those discussions at this time”.
