Football fans could return to stadia next month - but here's why Sheffield United supporters shouldn't get too excited just yet

Football fans could return to stadia when lockdown ends on December 2 – but Sheffield United fans shouldn’t be getting too excited about a return to Bramall Lane just yet.
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Prime minister Boris Johnson announced today hat outdoor and indoor venues in tier 1 and 2 areas would be allowed to admit spectators on a limited basis.

Johnson said in a statement to the House of Commons: "Spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls."

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A maximum of 4,000 fans are set to be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas when the national lockdown ends early next month, with up to 2,000 allowed in tier two areas and zero in tier three.

Sheffield was in tier three before the national lockdown was put in place.

The Premier League has continued during lockdown, behind closed doors, but amateur and grassroots sport has been postponed since earlier this month.

Johnson also said outdoor grassroots sports and indoor sports facilities like gyms would be able to reopen.

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Grassroots sport had been forced to pause since November 5 when the second lockdown came into force, a decision which led to protests and even parliamentary debates over whether certain activities and pastimes should be made exempt.

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