Mixed feelings about JPL fan return

Horns blaring, jeers when calls went against their teams, and thunderous cheers when their teams scored -- Saturday's Jamaica Premier League (JPL) games signalled a return to pre-pandemic levels as both vaccinated and unvaccinated fans filed into Sabina Park with relief but also with caution.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness rescinded the COVID-19 orders under the Disaster Risk Management Act last Thursday, allowing Professional Football Jamaica Limited to discontinue its vaccination policy for spectators, with the west Kingston derby between Arnett Gardens and Tivoli Gardens headlining the day's double header.

Arnett Gardens fan Ramone Elliott said that it was a relief to be able to return, but he is still mindful of the need to continue observing the necessary health measures.

"It's a good look to see the people come out," Elliott said. "[But] we still have to stay safe same way. Corona still out there same way. You still have to wear your mask and everything same way."

Tivoli fan Rohan Bonner, while also delighted at the ending of restrictions, said that he had mixed feelings about allowing in unvaccinated spectators.

"It is an issue," he said. "It is a bigger issue, bigger than me. But I hope that everybody can get vaccinated because it is the safer path. I am on the vaccination side. So automatically I am telling you that is the safer path. It is unfair but it is bigger than me, but it is a good feeling to let back in the crowd. It's good support. The teams need the supporters and the supporters need the team."

Even with the lifting of restrictions, Bonner implores the public to continue practising COVID-19 protocols even with the mask mandate relaxed.

"The Prime Minister lifted the [restrictions], but the protocols still need to work," he said. "Still wear yuh mask, wash yuh hands daily same way. Do the protocols."

JPL coaches are still cautious about the effects that lifting the restrictions will have. Waterhouse assistant coach Damion Gordon said that the fans must help to ensure all fans can continue to enjoy the games while Arnett Gardens head coach Paul Davis says greater care must now be taken to protect the players by not allowing the mingling of vaccinated and unvaccinated fans.