Arsenal have confirmed that Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Southampton will be played behind closed doors after the UK Government confirmed the capital will be placed in Tier 3 of their Covid-19 restrictions.
Health secretary Matt Hancock announced the changes on Monday afternoon, with the new restrictions coming into force at 00:01 on Wednesday, following a surge in infection rates.
With London previously classified in Tier-2, Arsenal had welcomed 2,000 fans back to Emirates Stadium for their Europa League group stage tie against Rapid Vienna on December 2 and then Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Burnley.
But the new restrictions means there is a ban on meeting at public venues, such as football stadiums. Fans of all London clubs will not be allowed to attend matches until the next review of the tier system takes place in January.
Arsenal have confirmed that supporters who had paid for a ticket to watch the Southampton match after being successful in the ballot would be refunded in the next 3-5 days and would be placed back in future ballots.
“As it currently stands, we are unable to welcome fans to Emirates Stadium for subsequent upcoming fixtures and therefore will not run any ballots until further notice,” the statement read.
“We will communicate information on future ballots once the UK Government permits us to welcome fans back.
“Thank you for your support and we hope to see you soon.”
Arsenal’s next five home games at Emirates Stadium are: Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals (December 22), then a Premier League clash against Chelsea (December 26), the FA Cup third round tie against Newcastle (January 9), then Crystal Palace (January 12) and the Magpies (January 16) visit again in the league.
