Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Return of sports fans: what new rules mean for London and beyond

Football fans are finally set to return to stadiums next week after the government laid out plans for when lockdown restrictions lift next week.

From December 2, the country will return to a tiered system of restrictions under which clubs in Tier 1 will be allowed a maximum of 4,000 supporters and those in Tier 2 will be allowed 2,000.

With London looking likely to be placed back into Tier 2, clubs across the capital will be able to welcome fans back for the first time since March - although capacity will be capped at 2,000.

Arsenal could be the first London club to welcome fans back when they host Rapid Vienna at Emirates Stadium in the Europa League on December 3.

Final kick-off times for the Premier League fixtures across the weekend of December 5 and 6 are still to be confirmed, but should fans be back in it would see Spurs supporters back in time to watch Jose Mourinho's side - currently top of the table - take on north London rivals Arsenal, while Chelsea host Leeds United and Manchester United visit West Ham.

Crystal Palace and Fulham supporters would have to wait another week for their respective return to Selhurst Park and Craven Cottage, with the Eagles hosting Tottenham and champions Liverpool visiting west London.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.