CLUB STATEMENT: Tier 3 government restrictions areas

Following the announcement on Saturday that Tier 3 restrictions would be applied in Lancashire, club Directors, alongside match secretary Alec Graham, were in regular contact on Sunday to discuss the implications.

A decision was made to approach the Northern Premier League to propose that, in line with government guidance, no Tier 3 club fans should travel to Workington.

We would also strongly encourage our fans not to travel to clubs in a Tier 3 area.

Club Director Dave Bowden explained: “It goes completely against our ethos not to welcome fans to Borough Park. But we felt there were far bigger issues to consider.

“Primarily the health and welfare of our fans is paramount, as the only club playing professional sport in West Cumbria we have to play our part in keeping our communities safe as covid infections continue to increase at current levels.

“Secondly it is important that we, at the very least, can maintain the restricted numbers of fans able to watch our games.

“We would like to continue playing football safely, for as long as is possible, and we feel that this is one way of minimising any risk.

“We are pleased to say that the NPL were instantly supportive of our proposals and that Clitheroe, who we welcome to Borough Park on Tuesday, have been so understanding.

“Admission to all Workington AFC home games is currently by ticket only and it is disappointing therefore that we will not be making tickets available to visiting fans from a tier 3 area in the foreseeable future.

“I hope everyone involved understands the rationale behind this move and I know we all look forward to being able to return to normality as soon as is possible.”