Paul Barber has called for consistency and fairness from the government in the quest bring fans back to football.

Albion’s chief executive and deputy chairman would love to see spectators back in stadia and believes the time is right for it to start happening.

He has no issue with the green light being given to events at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House and the O2 indoor arena.

But he believes the government have failed to understand the lengths to which football clubs have gone to pave the way for a managed return of fans.

Barber has maintained a high level of patience and understanding during the lengthy process of trying to bring back fans.

But he has now given his strongest message yet that it is time to reopen the gates – and throw the football industry a financial lifeline.

He told The Argus: “I am most perturbed and frustrated by the inconsistency in government policy - indoor events ok, outdoor events not ok - and by the apparent failure of government to appreciate the efforts clubs have gone to, and are prepared to go, to re-start their businesses while keeping people safe, the support we have provided to government during the pandemic, the responsibility we have to protect jobs in our clubs, and the value we bring to local communities and economies.

“I have no issue with the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House and the O2 being able to re-start their businesses. This is great.

“But there must be consistency and fairness for sport too.”

He added: “The football club has not used furlough and we have not benefited from cheap government loans or grants.

“Instead, we have worked hard to pay our own way, to protect jobs as best we can, and to support our community.

“Again, we are not asking for anything from government other than an ability to safely re-start our business in line with SGSA guidelines that the government has already signed off.”

Albion have confirmed their trial event in front of 2,500 fans when Chelsea visited the Amex had no health repercussions.

READ MORE: Albion new boys could feature for Poland after Covid positives

Rob Galloway, club doctor responsible for the Amex and A&E consultant at Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, said: 'The event had no effect at all on transmission in Brighton.

“What you would be looking for is the figures three or four days after the match and there's no discernible increase.”