WREXHAM'S Senedd Member is calling on the Welsh Government to allow fans into the Racecourse Stadium if the Reds make the play-offs.
Lesley Griffiths, who was re-elected as the town's representative in last week's Senedd elections, says she would "love to see" fans allowed into the stadium if Wrexham AFC cling on to their play-off place.
The club sits in fifth place in the Vanarama National League with four games remaining - with the top 6 of the top 7 teams entering a play-off competition to decide who will join the league's winner in being promoted to League Two.
On Tuesday, the Welsh Government announced a proposed list of pilot test events to take place over the forthcoming weeks.
None of these include Wrexham AFC, and Ms Griffiths says she "will do all I can" to make sure fans are allowed in for Wrexham's play-off matches if club is involved.
She said on social media: "If Wrexham AFC make the playoffs and are due to host a game, I would love to see the Racecourse included as one of the pilot events.
"I have already raised this with the First Minister and will do all I can to make sure it happens."
The Welsh Government said it is working with partners on the delivery of pilot test events which will develop "processes and guidance" that will allow the safe return of events in Wales.
A spokesperson said: “Managing a safe and successful test events programme will hopefully allow larger gatherings back to stadia, theatres and other venues in Wales later this year.”
The proposed list of all nine pilot test events has been drawn up, with none in North Wales:
Eid-al-Fitr
May 12-14 (TBA-date is agreed on the eve of the event) | Cardiff | Attendees: 300-500
Tafwyl Festival
May 15 | Cardiff | Attendees: 500
League Two Play Offs fixture Newport County AFC
May 18 | Rodney Parade
ICCW business event
May 20 | Newport | Invited attendees: 100 indoors
Championships Play Offs fixture Swansea City AFC
May 22 | Liberty Stadium
Theatre Brycheiniog
June 3-4 | Theatre Brycheiniog Brecon, Powys | Attendees: 250
Glamorgan v Lancashire
June 3-6 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | Spectators: 750-1000
Wales v Albania
June 5 | Cardiff City Stadium | Spectators: 4000
Fishguard Triathlon
June 11 and 12 | Fishguard/St David’s | Registered participants only
First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said: “It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for the events industry in Wales – for event owners, those who depend on the sector for the work – and for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales.’
“As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions in Wales we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event.
“This work is bringing us a step closer to a return to events in Wales, I’d like to thank these event owners and Local Authorities and Health Boards for their commitment in working with us and wish them well over the summer.”
He added: "“These events are very different in nature and location but access of attendees – whether participants or spectators – is strictly controlled by the organisers and agreed in advance.”
“We’re asking people to celebrate Eid differently again this year. I very much hope that celebrations at the castle are enjoyed by those with tickets. If you don’t have a ticket please celebrate safely with your immediate household or within support bubbles.”
“The events have been selected in discussion with the Welsh Government’s project board for the test event programme and event owners. A testing protocol and risk assessment will be tailored for each event.”
Yesterday Wrexham AFC said: “Wrexham AFC are still awaiting specific guidance from the Welsh Government, and can confirm there will be no supporters admitted to the game against Notts County on Tuesday May 18.”
“As the Welsh Government has taken a different approach to that in England regarding the safe return of supporters to football matches, it is unlikely fans will be attend on May 22 against King’s Lynn Town either.”
“Wrexham AFC are continuing to liaise with the relevant authorities and will update supporters on the situation when we can.”
“For our away match against Dagenham & Redbridge, only home supporters will be admitted to the game and we urge all Wrexham supporters to please respect these guidelines.”
Top pic: We won’t be seeing scenes like that any time soon.
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