Hatters legend Harford urges Luton fans to stay away

Luton supporters have been urged to stay away from Kenilworth Road for the remaining five Championship matches of the season by club legend Mick Harford.

After the Premier League resumed last night in front of empty stadiums due to the government guidance on fans not being allowed intro grounds because of the current coronavirus pandemic, Town restart their second tier campaign at home to Preston North End on Saturday.

Strict plans have been put in place by the EFL and the Hatters to ensure safety guidelines are met, with season ticket holders able to stream all home and away fixtures using iFollow and 30 out of the 108 remaining Championship league games broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Harford, who is the club's head of recruitment and will also be in the dugout, appointed assistant manager to Nathan Jones, has called on fans not to congregate outside the stadium on a match-day, as he said: “The Luton Town fans are the best in the country and when they get behind the team at Kenilworth Road, they are more than a 12th man to us.

"We will miss every single one of them during these five remaining home matches.

"But for their safety as well as ours, we have to ask them for now that when we play, please stay away.

"Hopefully we can all be back together on a match-day soon, but only when it is safe to do so.

"In the meantime, we know every Luton Town supporter will be right behind us while watching on iFollow and we’ll be giving it everything for them to ensure we stay in the Championship.”

PC Steve Mason from Bedfordshire Police continued: “Whether you’re a Hatter or are looking forward to watching all football matches from today, please continue to stay alert to the virus and don’t gather in groups on match days.

“It may be tempting to visit the ground, but the best way to support the game is by watching at home and preventing the spread of the virus.

"This is a step in the right direction and we can all help to get the game we love back by continuing to follow government guidance.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Sian Timoney, Deputy Leader of Luton Council, added: "I know so many of you are excited about the season re-starting after many weeks without football – it really will lift spirits across the town.

“But can I remind you all that we are still fighting a deadly virus so please don’t gather in groups or meet up with friends to watch the game.

"The risk is far too high. Stay at home and support the Luton Town team over the next few weeks as they fight hard for us all to stay in the Championship.”