Fans return
The Government has announced the tiered restrictions which are set to take effect at the end of the current national lockdown. December 2nd is the official day the lockdown restrictions will end and England will return to a tiered system similar to the one which interleaved the two national lockdowns.
The areas which have been placed into tier 3 are:
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
- Leeds
- Hull
- City of Wolverhampton
- Blackpool
- Kent
- Coventry
- South Yorkshire
- Bristol
This means any clubs situated in these areas will not be allowed any fans in the grounds as games will take place behind closed doors. However, teams in the tier 2 level of restrictions will be allowed up to 2000 fans to attend games.
Areas in Tier 2 include:
- Liverpool
- London
- Dorset
This means that Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham from the Premier League will all be able to have a small number of supporters in the ground.
All teams situated in areas not listed above will be in tier 3 and allowed as many as 4000 fans in their grounds. The earliest we could see fans return is the weekend commencing the 5th of December. However it may take time for clubs to prepare stadiums to admit the paying public.
Guardiola eager for fan return
Pep Guardiola spoke recently of the eagerness he has for fans to return to stadiums.
“If they believe this is the best, we can do it, hopefully it will work and nothing wrong will happen. Everyone is [waiting] for fans to come back into stadiums,” he said ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Olympiacos.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates victory after the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Watford at Wembley Stadium on May 18, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Man City via Getty Images)
“If the government have decided this it is because they have listened to the scientists and the doctors for what is the best for everyone.”
“We are a lucky profession for the fact we can do our job. How many jobs are closed and will not reopen again? We are waiting to come back for our fans.”
However, whilst some clubs will see fans return, with Manchester selected as part of the tier 3 group, the Spaniard may have to wait a little while longer before fans can re-enter the Etihad Stadium.
