Brentford likely to be the only Premier League club spared Covid passports under Government plans

Brentford could be the only Premier League club spared Covid passports under plans to roll them out at all-seater venues where crowds exceed 20,000, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

As disclosed by the Telegraph last week, the Government issued guidance on Friday recommending “the use of the NHS Covid Pass in facilities or events where people are likely to be in close proximity to a large number of people from other households for a sustained period of time”.

That includes at “spectator sport events”, further guidance on which is set to be issued on Monday when almost all remaining national coronavirus restrictions are lifted and sports grounds are allowed to return to full capacity.

The Telegraph has been told the Government will recommend that seated sporting events exceeding 20,000 spectators adopt Covid passports – proof of full vaccination or evidence of a negative test.

Following the promotion of Norwich City, Watford and Brentford from the Championship last season, only the west London club would fall under that 20,000 capacity at their Brentford Community Stadium (17,250), meaning they could have the option to ignore the use of Covid passports when fans return in great numbers this month.

The Premier League could choose to adopt a uniform approach though, which would see Brentford fall in line with the other 19 clubs and enforce Covid passports for supporters to gain entry.

While most Championship clubs would be under pressure to introduce them, most League One and Two teams would not be.

One Championship club that could be spared is Peterborough United, whose stadium holds only 15,000 and whose owner, Darragh MacAnthony, last week branded plans to roll out Covid certification a “disgrace”, accusing the measure of “punishing” the young.

Sport had called for Covid passports if it meant being allowed to return to full capacity and has long been planning to adopt them if required.

The same goes for Premiership Rugby clubs, with only Wasps, Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears playing at grounds with more than 20,000 capacity - the Ricoh Arena, Welford Road and Ashton Gate respectively. Twickenham would also be among those advised to use Covid passports when England games are staged at the 82,000-seater stadium.