Supporters are advised to be prepared for increased COVID-19 vaccination spot checks on matchdays at Villa Park.
Aston Villa, the Premier League and its clubs have a shared goal and ongoing commitment to keep supporters and all those in attendance at top-flight fixtures as safe as possible during the COVID pandemic.
An important part of this work is to ensure fans have valid COVID status in order to attend a match, with evidence of COVID status a condition of entry across the Premier League and set in the Supporter Code of Conduct.
The club made fans aware of our matchday protocols and COVID-19 guidance in August and, commencing from Saturday’s home fixture against Wolves (ko 3pm), spot checks will be increased.
All supporters over the age of 18, including those in hospitality, should only attend a match if they have a valid NHS COVID Pass or can show valid alternative proof that they have been fully vaccinated or have registered a negative COVID test in the previous 48 hours.
Fans may be asked to produce evidence to demonstrate one of these forms of valid COVID certification before entering the stadium.
The list of accepted evidence is as follows:
- NHS COVID Pass via: NHS App, Apple/Android Wallet, PDF of NHS COVID Pass, NHS COVID Pass letter
- EU digital COVID certificate
- Negative COVID test result via email or text message*
- Antibody test evidence via NHS App (positive PCR test less than six months ago)*
- NHS COVID vaccine card (physical copy)*
*Please note, this form of evidence is currently accepted but would be insufficient should COVID-19 status certification become mandatory and the government move to Plan B of its COVID response autumn-winter measures.
Lateral flow tests are available free from local NHS providers and some pharmacies. They can also be ordered online here.
Exemptions - individuals who declare an exemption and are unable to be vaccinated or COVID tested
From 1 October 2021, the government has allowed those with a valid exemption to register their status with the NHS. Registering will allow a supporter to generate an NHS COVID Pass in the same way as if they had completed full vaccination or a negative test.
All supporters will be required to demonstrate their exemption status in this way from mid-December.
For further information on government COVID certification exemption policy, click here.
Supporters are advised to arrive at Villa Park in plenty of time in order to be prepared for increased spot checks.
Please note, as it currently stands, no fan will be refused entry to Villa Park.
COVID-19 status certification is not yet mandatory but we ask our supporters to be ready for its potential implementation on future matchdays should the government move to Plan B of its COVID response autumn-winter measures.
To read our COVID-19 Fans Code of Conduct, click here. By purchasing a match ticket, supporters are agreeing to comply with this Code of Conduct.
Supporters can also take action before, during and after the game to help minimise risk surrounding the transmission of the virus. See our Returning to Villa Park guide for more information, click here.
Supporter Survey
We would like to gather supporters’ thoughts around COVID vaccine verification so we can work together with the government and Premier League to share our collaborative findings.
If you would be like to have your say and give us your thoughts on this, please fill out the survey via the link below.
