Fans split on idea of sports events behind closed doors

John Trainor, CEO of ONSIDE, explained that 29% of Irish adults plan on attending live sports and entertainment events as soon as the "stay at home" requirement is lifted or eased but pointed out that another 43% would hold off on such a course of action at first.

14,151 supporters attended the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A Round 2 match between Limerick and Galway at LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. 50% of sports fans do not agree with games being played behind closed doors after current restrictions are lifted according to ONSIDE. Picture: Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

Almost half of sports fans are not in favour with the idea of games being played behind closed doors when current restrictions on movements and gatherings are lifted.

The finding is among those published today in the ONSIDE Sponsorship Market Monitor which canvassed 1,000 people nationwide for opinions on a number of sports-related issues in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the knock-on effects.