Crowds of spectators have wrongly been allowed to attend stock car racing in Fife after the council misinterpreted national coronavirus rules.
Lochgelly Raceway has been told to stop letting fans onto the terraces after an investigation by the Scottish Government’s clinical advisors, who saw pictures of people gathered at the venue, on social media.
Cannae get football fans in stadiums, but we can get fans in for stock cars… 🥴 pic.twitter.com/0jWsDKhyvw
— Manzie (@mnz116) September 27, 2020
It is understood “walk-in” race fans had been attending for several weeks, despite a ban on spectators at sporting events amid fears over social distancing as Covid-19 continues to spread.
Fife Council has admitted it gave incorrect advice to organisers and apologised for the error.
National clinical director Professor Jason Leitch said yesterday he had been left disappointed when he saw the photographs of spectators on the terraces in Lochgelly.
“I first saw it on social media and we investigated it,” he said.
“It would appear that the wrong information was given to organisers.
“That has now been corrected. There should not be crowds at that sporting event.”
Nigel Kerr, Fife Council’s head of protective services, said safety was of the utmost importance.
“We have apologised to the organisers of this event following a misunderstanding over the correct guidance.
“The appropriate advice has now been given and following discussion, the raceway have agreed these events should stop for now.”
Hardie Race Promotions, which organises events at the Lochgelly venue, confirmed walk-in spectators would no longer be admitted.
https://www.facebook.com/HardieRacePromotions/posts/3231155120344757
Spokesman Kevin McQueen said Fife Council had initially given permission after risk assessments were submitted but had contacted him on Thursday to advise of their error.
“It isn’t an ideal situation, however at all times we want to adhere to the council and government guidance and, as such, have removed the option of walk-in spectators until further advised otherwise,” he said.
Anyone who has already booked for Saturday’s races will either be refunded or offered the chance to upgrade to a drive-in ticket and watch from their car at the trackside, although car sharing between households is not allowed.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our route map is clear that focused standing events, which involve spectators standing in a more limited space than open spaces, are not permitted at present.
“That vast majority of evet organisers are acting responsibly, in line with the guidance, and we thank them for that.
“Not following the guidance is deeply irresponsible and poses a risk to people attending and working at events and to the wider community.”
