Phased return of fans is mooted

London – Liverpool, Chelsea, Brighton and West Ham will be able to allow fans into their stadiums next month under a new tier system to tackle the spread of coronavirus in England.

The Premier League clubs are within tier-two areas, meaning clubs can welcome up to 2 000 fans.

The Premier League is yet to confirm the scheduling for matches to be played on 5 and 6 December and Brighton will host Southampton, Chelsea are at home to Leeds, champions Liverpool take on Wolves at Anfield, while West Ham could welcome fans to the London Stadium for the visit of Manchester United.

They would be the first top-fl ight matches to be attended by fans since the Covid-19 crisis took hold in March.

The other matches will be played in tier-three areas, where fans are still not allowed. –