Boris Johnson has announced that football fans will be allowed to make their long-awaited return to stadiums after the second national lockdown.
Speaking to the House of Commons this afternoon, the Prime Minister confirmed his plans for the festive period as part of a 'Covid Winter Plan' from December 2. However, Manchester United and Manchester City fans could be forced to wait as areas placed in Tier 3 will not be allowed to welcome any supporters into their grounds.
Manchester was placed in Tier 3 before the national lockdown and Johnson warned that more of the country will face tougher restrictions from next Wednesday, albeit they may only be temporary.
Starting Wednesday, December 2, a stricter three-tiered system will be put in place which will dictate the severity of each area's restrictions and will have a direct impact on the number of supporters allowed in each ground across the country.
Johnson has confirmed that outdoor venues that are in Tier 1 areas (of lowest risk) will be allowed to host 4,000 spectators or fill 50% of their capacity (whichever is lower).
Outdoor venues in Tier 2 areas will be able to welcome 2,000 spectators or 50% of their capacity back into their stadiums but Tier 3 will continue to play behind closed doors.
Speaking at the House of Commons, the Prime Minister said: "In Tier 1 and Tier 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing providing more consistencies with theatres and concerts."
Johnson will also hold a formal press conference to further reiterate these new plans later on Monday at 7pm.
