WREXHAM'S Senedd Member has slammed "misinformation" regarding the Welsh Government's choice of pilot events.

Lesley Griffiths, newly re-elected Member of the Senedd, said she is led to believe it is "highly likely" that the Racecourse ground will be open to fans should Wrexham AFC make the play-offs.

It comes after a petition from local Plaid Cymru members calling for fans inside the ground before the end of the season was launched.

The petition questions why all the pilot sporting events are "south of the M4" and calls for fairness in what's allocated in the north of Wales.

Ms Griffiths, who says she has raised the issue with the First Minister, said: “The sniping from the side-lines and misinformation circulating largely on social media has been extremely disappointing. Many online seem to have jumped to their own conclusions without knowing all the facts.

"Peddling the myth that 'nothing happens in North Wales' is tiresome and wrong.

"Test events have taken place at Theatr Clwyd in Mold and are scheduled to take place on Anglesey. Just last month, Wrexham AFC received a £100,000 grant from the Welsh Government after it was excluded from UK Government support to help offset some of the losses caused by the pandemic."

Read more: 

She continued: "From a footballing perspective, the Welsh Government has granted special dispensation for teams in the playoffs to allow fans to return as part of these latest test events.

"The major difference is Newport and Swansea have already guaranteed their playoff positions. Wrexham still have four games left to play and I sincerely hope the team secures their spot.

"I have been informed discussions have taken place between Welsh Government officials, Wrexham AFC and the Local Authority regarding a possible playoff match.

"Should a playoff match take place at the Racecourse, I’m led to believe it is highly likely it will be a test event, but there needs to be a willingness to participate from all parties, not just the Welsh Government."

She added that she has also been informed that there will be further announcements on Friday regarding the return of spectators to live events.

Ms Griffiths said: "We all want to put Covid behind us but the fact is we’re still living with the virus. We must not lose sight of the larger picture.

"These special events are trials, tests to check venues can cope with the added responsibilities and ensure it is safe for people to return to major events.

"The Welsh Labour Government’s cautious handling of the pandemic has thankfully got us to this promising stage. For certain political opponents to play games by initiating pointless petitions at a time of national crisis is unwise, and certainly not appreciated by the wider public.”