Boris Johnson calls on FA bosses to delay games so Hebburn Town's fans can go to Wembley

The Prime Minister has called on the Football Association’s chiefs to “do what they can” to delay the postponed FA Trophy and Vase finals so fans can attend the fixtures at Wembley.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 24th Mar 2021, 13:44 BST

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Boris Johnson was asked about the situation during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons earlier today, Wednesday, March 24.

Hebburn Town are due to take on Consett AFC on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3 in the FA Vase at the London stadium, but as it stands, the game will take place behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

The issue has previously been raised by Jarrow MP Kate Osborne, who has urged the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden to work with the FA to allow fans to attend the match.

Hebburn Town pictured during the side's match against Longridge Town FC in the FA Vase fifth round match at the Mike Riding Ground in February last year.

Hebburn Town pictured during the side's match against Longridge Town FC in the FA Vase fifth round match at the Mike Riding Ground in February last year.

His department has previously said it was looking at getting people back into stadiums from June 21, following on from around a dozen sporting and cultural pilot events this spring to help inform the government on how large scale crowds could return to venues.

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Conservative Andrew Jones, who represents the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency, told the Commons today: “On 3 May, Wembley is scheduled to host the finals of the FA Vase and FA Trophy, not from this season, but delayed a year from the last one.

“But that date means that no fans can go, even though a trip to Wembley to follow their team is like a holy grail – especially for the smaller clubs.

“The MPs for the clubs involved – that’s the members for North West Durham, Jarrow, Castle Point and myself – have raised this with the FA. Will the Prime Minister join us in encouraging those scheduling the matches to do all they can to move the date so that fans can attend?”

The Prime Minister replied: “I hope very much that the Football Association have listened carefully to what (Mr Jones) has to say and they do what they can.

“And I look forward to May 17 when spectators, according to the road map, may return.”

Hebburn in action at Longridge Town in the fifth round of the 2019-20 FA Vase in February last year - a tie they won 1-0.

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Hebburn Town Wembley Andrew Jones FA Vase Prime Minister