Glenavon’s Adrian Teer in talks over Mid-Ulster derby fan figures for Portadown return

Current rules could limit Glenavon’s first home league Mid-Ulster derby date with Portadown since 2017 to around 340 fans in Lurgan.

With preparations building towards the October 17 kick-off date, Teer has voiced fears of crippling financial damage to Irish League clubs by restrictions under the Coronavirus regulations.

Teer accepts NI Executive measures dictate how the Irish Football Association, Northern Ireland Football League and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council must deal with crowd numbers and stringent matchday protocols.

However, the highly-experienced chairman feels recent trial fixtures prove Glenavon could “comfortably” cope with numbers “up to three times the current limit”.

“Hopefully, continued positive talks can result in an increase on that 340 number for what is one of the biggest games in any Glenavon fixture list, especially given it will be the first league derby against Portadown in three years,” said Teer. “Our COVID-19 Officer, COVID Committee, stewards and marshals have been able to handle trial games to this point of up to 200 fans so, thanks to that experience, would approach a derby day with significantly increased spectators with confidence.

“I’m aware of at least three clubs with a ground capacity similar to Mourneview Park that have been allowed between 500 and 800 fans for their pre-season friendlies.

“Glenavon Football Club remains a business and I do fear for the future of our clubs under such current restrictions.

“It is not unrealistic to predict, under normal circumstances, five-figure gate receipts for this derby with Portadown, so that offers some insight into the revenue loss we face.”

Seat sales will be strictly limited to Glenavon fans, with a deadline of last Friday for season tickets to be ordered. Remaining tickets are now on general sale but only to home supporters and cannot be sold on the day of the game.

”Under current limited capacity rules people possibly do not realise that away fans may no longer be admitted to many - and indeed maybe all - Premiership grounds,” said Teer last week. “That possibility is very real and would do untold damage to our local game.

“At Glenavon we must implement a strict timeline to allow for planning ahead of the Portadown game and I would stress to our fanbase that the only way to guarantee a seat at Mourneview Park this campaign will be to order a season ticket before our deadline.

“For the derby, tickets will be designated only to the Geddis and Glenfield Road stands.

“The work over our trial games has been superb by everyone involved to make it as smooth and safe a process as possible.

“We will confirm other matchday protocols closer to the game and very much appreciate the continued support and co-operation of our fans.

“Ticket sales at present have had to be set at around 11 percent of our capacity but the option of, for example, family ‘bubbles’ sitting together within an approach to social distancing regulations we feel could still lead to an increase on that 340 figure, with protection still the priority.”

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