Sweet blasts 'haphazard decision-making' as Kenilworth Road is forced to close its doors once more

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet has hit out at the 'haphazard decision making' from the government which means Kenilworth Road will have to close its doors once more after Bedfordshire was one of a number of areas placed into tier three restrictions this morning.

Health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the news when giving a statement to the House of Commons, with the rules coming into place as of 00.01am on Saturday morning, meaning a total of 38 million people will be living in tier three of the government's Covid-19 restrictions from this Saturday - 68% of the population of England.

Town had hoped to welcome another 2,000 supporters through the turnstiles for the visit of Bournemouth on Saturday, after successfully allowing fans back in for the recent home matches with Norwich City and Preston North End.

But the move to the highest level of restrictions means this will not be the case, despite Luton already spending money in getting the ground all ready, with the match against Bristol City (December 29), also to be behind closed doors.

Speaking exclusively to the Luton News, Sweet said: "Such haphazard decision-making not only confuses everyone but encourages people not to follow guidance.

"Within a few days we could go from Tier 2 (allowing supporters) to Tier 3 (behind closed doors) to relax for Christmas (but still not allowing supporters) back to Tier 3 and then anything could happen at the next review.

"It makes it impossible for businesses to plan and operate.

"Money has been spent preparing for Saturday, which we'll never get back, and we now have to undo most of that work.

"Above all, we've loved having supporters back and we'll miss everyone again on Saturday.

"We're deeply sorry to all, after being given a brief lifeline, that we can't build on that, as we believe we should be permitted to."

Meanwhile, a statement on the club's official website added: "Following the Government’s announcement that all of Bedfordshire will move into Tier 3 restrictions from Saturday morning, we can confirm that sadly we will be unable to have supporters present at our forthcoming matches at Kenilworth Road.

"We are truly sorry that those season ticket holders who have not yet been able to attend either of the Norwich or Preston matches will have to wait a little longer to come back to live football.

"The atmosphere inside the ground at those two fixtures has been wonderful, and all of those supporters who have attended have followed the rules in the stadium as the great ambassadors that we asked you to be.

"We thank every single one of you for the role you have played.

"We will update all of our supporters as the situation comes under review again, with the planned rotations for the three bands of season ticket holders applying from the next fixture at which we are able to welcome fans back, if current levels of 2,000 for Tier 2 continue.

"Thank you once again for your unbelievable support, commitment and patience at such a difficult time for many. Please follow the rules and stay safe and well."