League of Ireland could have partial crowds return next month

THE League of Ireland could mirror Leinster Rugby by having partial crowds next month should the government accede to an FAI proposal.

Leinster Rugby are seeking permission to allow 2,000 fans into the RDS, based on rapid antigen testing, and the association have confirmed that they are in talks with health authorities on returning fans to a fixture on a trial basis.

The FAI said: “The association is currently investigating similar initiatives to accelerate the Return to Watch for our fans and will seek to trial one of these around an upcoming League of Ireland fixture.

“We are discussing this possibility with Government and other stakeholders accordingly and welcome all such trials across other sports as we work together to find ways to support an eventual return of fans to sport across Ireland.”

The FAI have yet to reveal the fixture they plan to trial but the meeting of champions Shamrock Rovers and early challengers St Patrick’s Athletic on May 7 is a possibility although the later clash of Dundalk and Rovers on May 21 is more realistic, given the government's cautious approach to relaxing restrictions.