Sport fans poised to return to stadiums

FANS are set to return to local sports stadiums when the national lockdown in England ends on December 2.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement on Monday about the return of crowds to sporting events and it will no doubt be welcomed by the region’s professional clubs such as Exeter Chiefs, Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United.

Elite sport has continued behind closed doors since March, but under the new tiers, fans will be able to return to grounds in Tier One and Tier Two areas.

In Tier 1 areas, 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, will be allowed, with 2,000 spectators of 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower in Tier 2. In Tier 3 areas, all sporting fixtures will continue to be held behind closed doors.

If Exeter and Plymouth is placed into Tier 1, then 4,000 fans could be allowed inside their grounds, with 2,000 if either city was placed into Tier 2.

Argyle have not played a game in front of the Green Army at Home Park since they beat Macclesfield on March 7, before their 2019/20 League Two campaign was later cancelled. It would be the first time that City fans will be allowed inside St James Park since the 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra on March 3.

An Exeter City spokesman said: “While we welcome the news of the potential return of fans to football stadiums, please allow us time to receive and understand further information on how this impacts on the Club. We will then provide an update, we hope to see you again soon.”

Subject to MPs voting on the measures as part of the new Covid-19 restrictions in England, then the first chance that fans could return will be for the Papa John’s Trophy tie on Tuesday, December 8.

The Government on Thursday will announce will Tier each authority will be placed into, but it is expected that Devon will be announced in either Tier 1 or 2.