But 4,000 limit put on Prem clubs
FOOTBALL supporters will finally be allowed back in to watch matches again when England’s lockdown is lifted next week.
The boost came as Boris Johnson last night announced his new tiering rules from December 2.
But only 4,000 fans will be able to attend Premier League matches and other sporting events in the lowest- risk areas. And no more than 2,000 will be allowed in to events in Tier 2 regions, while none at all will be able to attend games in Tier 3 areas.
The Prime Minister said: “In Tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside, with capacity limits and social distancing.”
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He said the Government hoped to announce which areas fall into which tier on Thursday. Sports fans have been barred from stadiums since the first lockdown in March.
Last night the news was welcomed by the Premier League, although bigger clubs with the largest stadiums may benefit least from the new rules.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said the Premier League leaders faced a £ 150million loss if supporters remained shut out for the entire season.
But opening the club’s 62,000- capacity stadium to a few thousand fans might be more costly than keeping it shut.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been pushing for people to be allowed to attend games in areas with low coronavirus infection rates.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said yesterday’s announcement was “a big step forward for fans as we work towards fuller capacities”.