We’re going home – 3000 to watch the Barnsley play off game at the Liberty

Swansea City will be backed by 3000 fans when they host the second leg of their Championship play off after the Welsh government confirmed that fans could return after some lobbying by the EFL and the easing of Covid restrictions.

The Swans entertain Barnsley in the second leg of the Championship play off semi final on 22 May and originally it was thought that the game would be behind closed doors despite restrictions in England stating that fans could return from 17 May.

The EFL had said that it would mean fans would not attend either leg to maintain the integrity of the competition but this boost will mean fans can now return to the Liberty for the first time since March 7 last year.

League Two Newport County will also welcome fans to Rodney Parade for the visit of Forest Green Rovers on 18 May.

The play-off fixtures are part of a series of test events, the plans for which were announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford last month.

A list of nine pilots have now been confirmed, including Wales’ football friendly fixture with Albania at Cardiff City Stadium on 5 June which will be set to welcome 4,000 supporters in the side’s final game before this summer’s European Championship.

Up to 1,000 fans will also be able to attend the four-day County Championship fixture between Glamorgan and Lancashire at Sophia Gardens that starts on 3 June, while the Wales Triathlon in Fishguard on 11 and 12 June will also be open to registered participants.

First Minister Mark Drakeford, said: “It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for the events industry in Wales – for event owners, those who depend on the sector for the work – and for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales.

“As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions in Wales we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event.

“This work is bringing us a step closer to a return to events in Wales, I’d like to thank these event owners and local authorities and health boards for their commitment in working with us and wish them well over the summer.

“These events are very different in nature and location but access of attendees – whether participants or spectators – is strictly controlled by the organisers and agreed in advance.”