Arfon politicians call on Welsh Government to permit Caernarfon fans

Plaid Cymru representatives in both the Senedd and Westminster have called on the Welsh Government to allow Caernarfon Town to admit spectators in the Europa Conference League play-off final.

Caernarfon, who have never played in a European competition, are playing Newtown for a place in Europe’s new third-tier competition on Saturday.

There will be no fans permitted to attend however after FAW’s application to be a pilot event was rejected.

Barry Town United and Penybont, both losing semi-finalists, last week wrote to their respective politicians but were unsuccessful in persuading the Welsh Government to permit their supporters.

Siân Gwenllian, the MS in the Arfon constituency, wrote to Vaughn Gething and Dawn Bowden who is Deputy Minister for Sports, asking them to allow the Canaries to welcome fans after more than a year of not taking any earnings through gate reciepts.

“The winner of the game will secure a place in next year’s Europa Conference League competition,” said Gwenllian.

“This is the most important game in Caernarfon Town’s history and there will be much interest from their large following.

“But at the moment supporters will not be allowed into the ground to support their team.

“I think it is timely to use this match to trial the new protocols that need to be in place by August when it’s hoped that 300 clubs will re-open their gates to their supporters.

“It would make sense to decide on a capacity number and appropriate safety precautions after risk assessments are undertaken at the Oval.”

On the same day as the Cymru Premier’s play-off final, just under 4000 Swansea City supporters will descend on Wembley Stadium to watch their team in the EFL Championship play-off final.

Two days later, just over 4000, Newport County AFC fans will make the journey to England’s capital in their EFL League Two play-off with Morecambe.

Across the border in England, Premier League clubs welcomed back supporters for the penultimate and final day of the season.

Elsewhere in the UK, there were 1000 fans at the Northern Irish Cup final, meanwhile, Scotland had spectators at a number of their games, including yesterday’s relegation play-off.

Adding to Gwenllian’s letter, Williams said: “I write to support Siân Gwenllian’s request for supporters to be allowed into the Oval on Saturday.

“Sian has already explained that Saturday’s game is the most important in the club’s history, enabling them if successful, to enter into European competition. This would be a huge boost to the club and to the town as well. It would also most certainly be a means of popularising football further amongst young people in the town and the surrounding area.

“I would like to emphasise that Caernarfon supporters are enthusiastic and committed and have stood by the club faithfully through some pretty hard times. There would likely be a strong demand for tickets on Saturday and many would-be severely disappointed were there to be no supporters allowed in.

“The facilities at The Oval have been steadily improved over the years and i think would offer an ideal trial run of safety measures during Covid, ahead of the general opening up in the summer.

“I can confirm that this is a matter of importance locally and a matter which deserves your immediate attention.

“I trust you will see the value of allowing entry to The Oval on Saturday.”

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said to Nation Cymru: “The First Minister has said if the public health situation remains positive, at the next three-week review at the start of June, we will consider moving to alert level one, which could allow larger events and organised activities to take place, informed by the programme of pilot events, which is currently taking place.”

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)