Northampton Town questions why fans are not allowed at games as financial toll looks bleak for football club

Northampton Town Football Club has questioned the logic of not allowing fans at matches because of coronavirus as the financial impact seems dire.

Cobblers could lose £34,687 for every game just from spectators not paying for a pint and a pie, rising to £763,110 if the rules last all season, a study has estimated.

A club spokesperson could not understand why socially-distanced fans are banned from attending an open-air event when pubs, restaurants and airports are open.

"We hope the club will be allowed to welcome supporters back to matches, in a safe and controlled way, as soon as possible," the spokesperson told the Chronicle & Echo.

“Clubs have proved they can stage matches in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines and attending football matches in an outdoor stadium would seem much less of a risk than some other activities that are currently allowed.”

Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced trials for fans to return to sporting venues have been paused due to the rising national Covid-19 infection rate.

Clubs across the football pyramid have expressed concerns about the lack of revenue and called on the government and wealthier clubs for support.

It is not just match tickets that clubs are missing out on but also all of the extras that come with a trip to the footy, such as food, drinks, programmes, merchandise and more.

By analysing the cost of a pint and a pie along with last season's average attendance numbers, money.co.uk has calculated the estimated revenue lost per game and for the season with limited fans in the stands at League One grounds.

Cobblers' average attendance at the PTS Academy Stadium last season was 5,101, out of a 7,798 capacity, and the price of a pint and a pie was £6.80.

Of course not every fan will buy food and drink at the stadium, money.co.uk believes its research shows just how much football clubs miss fans financially as well as emotionally.

The club spokesperson said: “The current situation is clearly putting some heavy financial pressure on all clubs and the longer the current situation persists of clubs having to play behind closed doors, the harder the situation becomes.

“The survey is correct in pointing out that it is not just ticket money the club are losing out on, it is also the additional spend that takes place on a matchday.

“The numbers are not completely accurate, but what is true is that clubs are in a very difficult position and we are truly grateful for the support of our supporters and season ticket holders."

Collectively, it is estimated League One clubs could lose over £1.5m per game without fans and an eye-watering £34m if fans are unable to return all season.

Unsurprisingly, the clubs which have the largest stadiums are set to lose the most in the coming weeks, including Sunderland, Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town.

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: “The ongoing Covid-19 crisis poses a significant financial risk for many businesses across the UK, including football clubs.

“FIFA has estimated that football around the world will lose out on almost £11 billion in revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic. Our latest research shows where a portion of this money could be lost.

“Alongside the losses associated with ticket sales, football clubs like Northampton Town are likely to also suffer losses from their match program and hospitality sales."

Mr Haqqi added: “Unfortunately a return date for spectators has not been announced yet.

"Many clubs are understandably concerned about what the future holds for the sport, and whether they will be able to survive financially.”

For more information about the study, click here.