SAN FRANCISCO, November 26, (THEWILL) – It is possible that up to 2,000 fans will be able to attend, in person, Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League tie against Rapid Vienna after the current period of national lockdown expires in England on December 2.
The Thursday night December 3 fixture against the Austrian side will be the first top-level football match to take place with fans in England since March.
This is because London is set to be in Tier 2, a classification that means it is considered ‘High’ risk and will be allowed to take fans far below capacity to allow for adherence to COVID-19 protocols. It also implies that the same number of fans will be able to go to the North London Derby on Saturday December 5 at Tottenham.
For the Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on Wednesday, December 2, no fans will be allowed as the city of Manchester was placed into Tier 3 which is classified as ‘Very High’ risk.
The city of Anfield, just like London, was put into Tier 2 so that the Liverpool tie against Wolves, also on Saturday, December 5, can host up to 2,000 in-person fans.
Regions considered as lowest risk were put into Tier 1 and will be allowed to have the maximum of 4,000 fans. Only Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight in England qualify for Tier 1. And none of them have a team in the the top four leagues.
PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES ON DEC 5/6 WEEKEND:
Aston Villa v Newcastle United – 0 fans (Tier 3)
Brighton v Southampton – 2,000 fans (Tier 2)
Burnley v Everton – 0 fans (Tier 3)
Chelsea v Leeds – 2,000 fans (Tier 2)
Liverpool v Wolves – 2,000 fans (Tier 2)
Manchester City v Fulham – 0 fans (Tier 3)
Sheffield United v Leicester – 0 fans (Tier 3)
Tottenham v Arsenal – 2,000 fans (Tier 2)
West Brom v Crystal Palace – 0 fans (Tier 3)
West Ham v Manchester United – 2,000 fans (Tier 2)
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
