July 28 – Tottenham Hotspur have become the first English club to announce Covid passes for supporters, bringing them into force for fans attending the men’s and women’s pre-season friendlies against Arsenal next month.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will take on their north London rivals on August 8 when fans must prove they are fully vaccinated against coronavirus or have had a negative test within 48 hours of the match.
The trial comes after the British government announced proof of full vaccination may be required to attend sports venues from the end of September.
Spurs said the trial – from which under-18s will be exempt – would allow them “to begin preparations for the potential of full vaccination against Covid-19 being a condition of entry to large events from 1st October”.
More teams are expected to carry out similar trials in the coming weeks.
The announcement drew a mixed response on social media, with some praising the club for helping to keep spectators safe and others complaining of discrimination, a reaction that seems bound to become more general elsewhere if the authorities press ahead with their plans.
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