Top flight football clubs checking Covid passports say they have found a high level of compliance among fans, as the Premier League told them to continue with the inspections.
Clubs spoken to by Sportsmail say the vast majority of supporters have had no objection to showing proof of vaccination or the results of a lateral flow test, or even medical exemptions.
One club said that participation had been close to 100% among those stopped and questioned, as supporters are keen to do whatever it takes to ensure they can attend.
The Premier League's Covid health protocols and rules are the most rigorous in UK sport
'It has been very positive,' said a club source. 'There has been very little resistance.'
'Fans have been fantastic and understanding,' said an executive at another Premier League club.
'There is a big group of fans who like the checks because it gives them confidence that they will not be infected.
'We do not want fixtures being cancelled. We want to protect the players and the staff and make it safe for fans. Why would we not do that? What is the negative?'
Clubs were conducting the checks in preparation for the introduction of the mandatory use of Covid passports at matches from next month.
Clubs will continue to employ Covid marshals at games to carry out spot-checks on supporters
The Government unexpectedly abandoned that plan this week, but yesterday the Premier League advised clubs to continue spot checking supporter's credentials anyway.
For most clubs, the checks have been very light-touch with no suggestion that anyone will be refused entry if they do not have the necessary paperwork.
Even where entry is dependent on Covid certification, like at Chelsea, it is not clear how many supporters, if any, have been excluded.
However, clubs are already bracing themselves for the prospect of mandatory Covid passports at some point during the winter. The government now plans to introduce the measure if infection rates soar and
