Sheffield United's Chris Wilder joins Leeds United and Newcastle United's calls for fans to be allowed back in stadia

United’s home match against Leicester City was the 11th they have staged behind closed doors since the Covid-19 pandemic reached these shores in March.

Although small numbers of people are now allowed to attend fixtures in some regions, including London and Liverpool, South Yorkshire has been placed in the highest category of the government’s new tier system - meaning its stadia remain closed.

Speaking towards the end of last month, Wilder suggested PL members should have been asked to vote on whether the situation is fair; echoing concerns expressed by Newcastle’s Steve Bruce and Marcelo Bielsa of Leeds, whose sides are also subject to the most stringent restrictions.

“It’s an advantage. It’s a small one. But it is an advantage,” Wilder said.

"I’m allowed an opinion, to say that it’s brilliant they’ve [fans] come back [in some areas] but I should imagine I’m saying the same thing as Steve at Newcastle and Marcelo at Leeds. Hopefully we’ll get them back inside Bramall Lane and it will be a special day when that happens.”

The 2-1 defeat by City was the 10th time they have lost in 11 outings this term, leaving them five points adrift at the foot of the table ahead of this weekend’s visit to Southampton’s St Mary’s.