Indoor sport and five-a-side now banned as Government tightens restrictions

Indoor sport and five-a-side football games will no longer be allowed as the Government tightens measures to restrict the coronavirus spread.

From Thursday football and other indoor sports will be axed as an exemption from the 'rule of six' that had previously allowed them to continue despite previously announced measures.

However, Boris Johnson insisted outdoor exercise and team sports were still allowed, adding 'we want that to continue'.

Speaking in the Commons today, Mr Johnson said: "We will also have to extend the rule of six to all adult indoor team sports."

The Prime Minister also dashed football fans' hopes of returning to Premier League games next month in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. 

Spectators were set to return to venues on October 1, however this plan has now been axed.

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch said sport cannot continue to face the kind of losses it has been experiencing as a result of coronavirus measures.

Five-a-side games will no longer be allowed under the new rules (Getty)

She urged the Prime Minister to share details about a support package for sport to prevent it from being 'decimated' by the pandemic.

Mr Johnson replied: "We are not stopping outdoor physical exercise, we are not stopping outdoor physical exercise, we are not stopping team sports outside, we want that to continue."

He added that the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport was working with the Premier League to support clubs through the pandemic.

Fines for breaking the 'rule of six' have been doubled to £200 for the first offence.

From Thursday, all hospitality and leisure venues in England will be forced by law to close between 10pm and 5am.

That includes pubs, restaurants, cinemas, bingo halls, kebab shops and takeaways - which will be able to make deliveries but not have customers in the shop.

Pubs will be forced to close at 10pm sharp - meaning they must call last orders at around 9.30pm.

All hospitality venues will be forced to operate as table service only from Thursday.

Also from Thursday, it will be a legal requirement to wear a face covering in taxis and private hire vehicles.