The Australian Medical Association has lashed out at the NRL’s ambition to have crowds back from July, labelling it “absurd” and “dangerous”.
The NRL has outlined its hopes to have capped crowds back at NRL matches, with numbers dependent on the stadium size.
Both the NSW and Queensland governments have said they are open to working with league on a planned return, even if it at this stage appears far off.
But Australia’s chief association for doctors and medical practitioners said any move to have crowds back at suburban grounds was a “huge” risk to public health amid the coronavirus.
“Put bluntly, this absurd and dangerous idea belongs in the sin bin,” AMA president Tony Bartone said in a statement.
“The NRL should be satisfied that it has its competition back in action, but it is unfair and unwise to put the health of the game’s fans at risk.
“They must first monitor the health and safety of the players and officials who will be involved in the thick of the on-field action.
“Australians have done exceptionally well in flattening the COVID-19 curve, and we are not too far away from relaxing more restrictions.”
The AMA highlighted the slow return to sport in Europe without crowds and praised the AFL for its cautious approach to wait for expert medical advice.
However, the NRL has said it will act only on the instruction of government and expert advice and is planning to submit its proposal to authorities.
It would also implement strict biosecurity measures around any return to crowds.
The limited number of fans would be scanned by a thermal camera on the entry to grounds and would need to have the government’s COVID-Safe app downloaded.
Some matches would also be played in bigger venues, with Suncorp Stadium’s capacity far higher than that of a suburban ground.
Recent history has shown that ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has been able to lead the charge out of the virus shutdown.
When the NRL announced a planned May 28 return in April, most labelled the idea overly ambitious.
In the time since V’landys has convinced the NSW, Queensland and Victoria state governments of a safe return, as infection numbers have continued to drop?”
Neither NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian or Queensland counterpart Annastacia Palaszczuk appeared too open to the concept on Monday.
But nor were they willing to write it off, with Palaszczuk having previously been opposed to the game’s return before now being supportive of it.
V’landys has claimed the idea is based on the suggestion that open-air spaces are safer than enclosed venues such as pubs and restaurants.
He has insisted any push for a return to capped crowds would depend on how Australia’s case numbers perform as the country begins to reopen amid the pandemic.
Mitcher
Guest
Scarily everyone, people this stupid live among us everyday. And there’s lots of them. Even more worrying when they think they’re the smart ones like this degenerate.
Blackberry Smoke
Guest
Definitely been had , by the Chinese government.
David
Guest
Another silly name-calling contribution.
matth
Roar Guru
And for good measure he runs back and kicks the tree. Later on there is another bend and another tree. Elvis remembers his previous experience and runs directly into the tree and expresses horror that he had not been warned of the scientific reality that trees are actually rather solid.
matth
Roar Guru
Rabbits better not be doing the sideline interviews! I look forward to Elvis’ attitude changing once he is in an at risk group. And of all the Star Wars references you went there?
matth
Roar Guru
A 30 year old died in Blackall today.
matth
Roar Guru
Maybe you won’t be allowed to cheer?
At work
Roar Rookie
Very good point, if they do allow people back in the social distancing restrictions should be much more conservative.
Blackberry Smoke
Guest
He’s in charge of horse racing, so the pasty veegan ABC fed vampires are obligated to fight the good fight against him.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Interesting Dr Tony Bartone Melbourne medic, praising the AFL approach a whole “two” weeks later.As the saying goes ,nothing to see here, next?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Both Andrew,both.
Blackberry Smoke
Guest
And previously in the hands of a washed up politician.
Muzz
Guest
V'landys is a hustler. The greatest game of all is in the hands of a hustler.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Sorry but is there a requirement for me to answer your questions?
Ben
Guest
Name his smartest NRL decision?
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The medical experts , the National Cabinet and the NRL seem to have worked together pretty well so far and they won't be taking too much notice of the great throng of ill informed critics any time soon.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Interestingly enough the States are willing to work with the nrl on this proposal. The AMA are the ones who are being absurd I’m afraid.
Big Daddy
Guest
100%> .
Big Daddy
Guest
Nick agree ???? %.
Paul
Roar Guru
How though would it spread to crowds, Larry? Bartone's gripe is not the fact the NRL is starting again, but that V'landys had the nerve to suggest some people should be able to attend games in a months time.