Tottenham's FA Cup third round clash away at Marine at the start of January will now be played behind closed doors.
Given the go-ahead earlier this month to have 500 fans inside their stadium for the cup tie, that will now not be possible after the decision on Wednesday afternoon to move the Liverpool City Region into Tier 3.
Previously down to allow fans into the Marine Travel Arena as the region was in Tier 2, today's announcement has put an end to supporters of the Northern Premier League Division One North West club getting the chance to see the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris up close and personal.
Issuing a statement following the announcement, the club stated that it is a "huge disappointment" they cannot welcome fans but "safety must always be paramount".
"Following today’s Government announcement moving the Liverpool City Region in to Tier 3, the club have had confirmation that the Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie v Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 10th January (5pm) will be behind closed doors," read the statement on the club's website.
"This is a huge disappointment for all involved with the club but safety must always be paramount.
"A further announcement will be made as soon as possible regarding refunds for tickets already purchased."
Earlier in the month Marine had announced that they would give all Spurs season ticket holders a free match ticket for a game at their stadium next season.
Given a number of fans would have made the trip north for the cup clash, the coronavirus restrictions meant that away supporters couldn't make the journey with the full allocation going to home fans.
The FA Cup tie remains as a 5pm kick-off on Sunday, January 10, with the game broadcast live on BBC One.
