Derry City have lost out in their bid to have fans back in place for Monday's league game at home to St Patrick's Athletic.

While there is no date set for a return to crowds at sporting events in the Republic, with that decision dependent on the outcome of proposed trial events in July, the Northern Ireland Executive have cleared the way for fans to attend matches and outdoor sporting events there from Monday. That had given Derry hope that they could welcome a limited number of supporters for Monday's date with St Pat's, but they have now been forced to abandon that plan.

"Derry City Football Club is disappointed to have to inform supporters that no spectators will be permitted to attend our home game against St Patrick's Athletic on Monday night," the club said in a statement today.

"As advised earlier in the week, the club has been in consultation with the Public Health Authority (PHA) and Derry City/Strabane Council over the past few days following Monday’s proposals from the NI Executive. Based on the current high rates of Covid-19 transmission in the city, the Medical Director at the PHA has recommended that supporters should not be permitted to attend at this time. In the interest of the health and safety of supporters, players and staff, it has been agreed therefore that Monday night’s match should remain behind closed doors. We will continue to discuss a way forward with the relevant public authorities and will keep supporters informed of progress."

Crowds have been back at Premier League games in England while some supporters will also be admitted to the Champions League final in Portugal next week, and earlier this week a crowd of 20,000 attended the Bulgarian Cup final in Sofia, but the Government here have yet to indicate when crowds can be admitted. Two weeks ago Jack Chambers TD the minister responsible for sport, pleaded for patience.

"The government has agreed, early July is when we will see fans back. I accept that people will want to see them a little sooner but we want to get it right," he said ahead of a trial scheme which could begin with 5% of a stadium's capacity admitted.