THE GOVERNMENT is being urged to consider Worcestershire sports clubs and what they bring to county.

Worcester Warriors bosses, Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have said the new restrictions on sporting events has put the future of the club in danger.

In a statement on their website they wrote: “Without revenue generated on matchdays from crowds, sponsors and their associated spend, Warriors and all professional sports clubs cannot hope to be sustainable without significant support.

“Playing matches behind closed doors for another six months is clearly not sustainable for this club nor for the Premiership as a whole. The additional loss of our events business puts further pressure on our chances for financial survival.

“The Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, has indicated that he might consider offering financial support to some professional sports clubs. At the moment we do not know, even if it does arrive, what that support might look like."

Worcestershire MP and Minister for sport, Nigel Huddleston said: “I’m very disappointed that we were unable to allow more fans into sports stadiums on October 1 as originally planned. Medical and scientific advice was that this should not go ahead given the significant increase in coronavirus cases we have seen recently.

“The Government and I are very aware that not only is this news disappointing to fans, but it could also have serious consequences for the finances of clubs. We are therefore in discussions with sports bodies to understand the impact this will have, and assess potential further support.”

Sharon Smith from the Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce added: "As with many businesses, those who have seen their income drastically affected as a result of government measures will need further assistance from central government. 74% of Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses have seen their sales decrease.

"The Worcester Warriors are a hub of sports and development and place a significant spotlight on the county. They also support a number of other local businesses on matchdays who also have seen their business depleted of cash without match day customers.

"We would urge the government not to forget businesses like the Warriors who without significant income stimulus will not be able to run viably on their own and could risk a possible ripple effect that could be felt throughout the county"