Spectators will be allowed to return to sporting events from December 2, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced.
Football fans have been kept away from stadiums since the first lockdown started in March – with just a few exceptions in the months since.
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But restrictions will be eased after the latest national lockdown is lifted next week, with the country returning to a tiered system.
The PM announced that outdoor and indoor sporting venues in tier 1 and 2 areas would be allowed to admit spectators on a limited basis.
Up to 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity limits – whichever is lowest – will be put be place in tier 1, dropping to 2,000 or 50 per cent for indoor venues.
In tier 2, the limit will be 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, or 50 per cent capacity. No fans will be allowed in stadiums in tier 3 areas.
Johnson also announced outdoor grassroots sports and indoor sports facilities such, including gyms, would be able to reopen.
“In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls,” Johnson said.
“We’ll also strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health.”
Haydock Park Horse racing on December 2 could be the first live sporting event with spectators as we appear to be heading towards a return to normality, with vaccines returning positive results heading into the end of 2020.
Elite football clubs are understood to have protocols in place to reopen stadiums once the green light is given, which means Manchester United could host the first football match with fans on December 2 when PSG visit in the Champions League.
Arsenal play at home to Rapid Vienna the following day and will also hope to return supporters to the Emirates for their Europa League tie.
The news will be a particularly huge boost for grassroots sport – forced to pause since November 5.
It was a decision which led to protests and even parliamentary debates over whether certain activities and pastimes should be made exempt.
Former Wales midfielder and football pundit Robbie Savage, who has spoken about the detrimental impact of suspending grassroots sport, was among those to welcome its return.
“Well done Oliver, thank you from thousands of kids around the country and sorry for constantly tweeting you,” he wrote on Twitter.
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