WELSH football clubs, officials and coaches have universally condemned the Welsh Government decision to maintain the ongoing supporter ban.

While clubs and officials have been largely supportive of the Welsh Government restrictions since the onset of the public health crisis 14 months ago the latest decision to not allow a JD Cymru Premier fixture to be a pilot event for the return of supporters has finally ended patience.

Football Association of Wales head of competitions Andrew Howard described the decision as “gut wrenching.”

Anger has been further fuelled after the Welsh Government awarded pilot event status to Swansea City and Newport County for forthcoming play-offs in the English League.

Howard said: “I’m pleased to see Cymru League clubs, fans, media all showing solidarity following our sheer disappointment to news we are not a pilot event for supporters.

“We have always made ourselves available, we have proved to be a trusted partner but were told that the international would be the only football event.

“We even requested to replace an event when one withdrew, only to be told that “we need to focus on the eight events we have planned”.

“For a devolved Government to then overlook our National League in favour of an English competition is gut wrenching.”

Condemnation of the decision was shared by clubs the length and breadth of Wales.

Newtown manager Chris Hughes agreed the decision to not include a play-off match as a pilot made no sense.

“It is massively disappointing for everyone involved in Welsh football, from the players, coaches and officials and, of course, the fans who remain banned from attending fixtures.

“It has been a long 14 months without supporters and we had hoped with the health crisis easing then the Cymru Premier play-offs would be selected as a pilot event.

“We are not sure why the two English League play-offs have been selected ahead of a Welsh pyramid fixture. It does not seem to make any sense.

“Hopefully the Welsh Government changes its policy in time for the play-off final.”

However the Welsh Government remained steadfast in its decision.

A spokesman said: “Swansea and Newport are hosting pilot events in controlled environments which will inform the process of allowing fans back into sporting arenas at all levels.

“Should the First Minister indicate when and how indoor hospitality can re-open that will also need to see venues deploy similar controls in place alongside social distancing – staying within a bubble and only meeting other households and not mingling tables.

“Selection of the events to be included in the proposed pilot programme was made on the basis of discussion with venues, local authorities and event organisers, seeking spread across types of event and locations across Wales.

“Secure infrastructure large enough to accommodate a mass gathering and facilitate the necessary distancing measures.”

The decision comes a month after the Welsh Government began its easing of restrictions on outdoor activity.

However the current 30 person limit has meant football remains impossible to be contested and even a promised rise to 50 will mean supporters will not be able to attend fixtures.

With clubs looking to begin preparations for next season and arrange friendlies their are growing fears that Welsh football will remain in limbo and unable to begin welcoming fans back into grounds.

In the meantime clubs are unable to charge for admittance or sponsorship.