Sheffield United fans face further wait to return to Bramall Lane

Sheffield United last played in front of spectators at Bramall Lane in early March when they defeated Norwich City 1-0 shortly before football in England was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But hopes of a possible return to watch Chris Wilder’s side's battle to avoid the drop were dashed today when Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced in Parliament that only Bristol and North Somerset will move from tier 3 to tier 2 – although Sheffield City region mayor Dan Jarvis had admitted that the lifting of restrictions in Sheffield was never likely.

The restrictions will be reviewed in a fortnight and means United’s home game against Everton at Bramall Lane on Boxing Day will once again be played behind closed doors.

However, 2,000 fans will be in attendance for Sunday’s fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion due to the Sussex resort remaining in tier two.

The Blades played before a small crowd at the weekend when they were beaten 3-0 at Southampton.

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