Elite clubs ready to welcome back fans
Fans are to be allowed back into sport stadiums and other outdoor events - and in greater numbers than many thought would be allowed.
A maximum of 4,000 fans are set to be allowed at outdoor events in the lowestrisk areas when the national lockdowninEnglandendson December 2.
Grassroots sport is also coming back - which will bring a sigh of relief from those involved in non-league football and other local adult and junior sport.
The government was set to rule today on which areas were deemed low-risk and which go into higher tiers - and that will be key to what will andwillnotbepermitted in different locations.
But there are high hopes Sussex will remain in tier one, the lowest catergory for restrictions.
MPs will vote on it later in the week.
PMBorisJohnsonsaid:“In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This is a big stepforwardforsport. Bringinggrassrootssportbackwas my number one priority, so I’m pleased wearereopening sports andgymsineverytier, in recognition of the significant health benefits.
“I’m also delighted we are abletogettheturnstilesturning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowestrisk areas first.
“I’m confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in.”
Today’s news is welcome for many clubs at elite level whose seasons so far have beeninfrontofemptystands.
Sussex has four ‘elite’ football teams - Brighton of the Premier League, Crawley of League Two, Eastbourne Borough of National League South and Lewes, of the FA Women’s Championship.
None has been allowed any fans since the start of the season - though the Seagulls did admit a small crowd for a friendly v Chelsea, a test event for crowds returning to stadiums which came before the government pulled back on the idea.