Football fans will be back in stadiums next Wednesday — but thousands are still going to be locked out.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden yesterday confirmed the lifting of the national ban from December 2.
The announcement is a potential survival lifeline for clubs in Leagues One and Two, the National League, rugby union and horse racing.
Grounds have been empty since the start of the first Covid-19 lockdown back in March.
Outdoor gates are to be capped at just 4,000 — and even that depends on which tier a club’s locality is in.
Dowden explained clubs in Tier One areas, where Covid restrictions are the least severe, will be allowed 50 per cent of their capacity up to that 4,000 maximum.
Those in Tier Two will be restricted to 2,000 or 50 per cent — again, whichever is the lower figure — but clubs in Tier Three remain empty.
Tiers are set to be announced on Thursday but, based on those before this latest lockdown, the only Prem clubs to be allowed the full 4,000 fans will be Brighton and Southampton.
The South coast rivals are due to play each other on the weekend of December 5, the first round of action after the rules relax.
It leaves clubs having to ballot season-ticket holders to decide who gets in — with giant Tier 2 stadiums at Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle restricted to one fan for every 30 seats.
Clubs know they will face criticism if they put corporate fans ahead of normal match-goers while some may question whether it is cost-efficient — it is understood Wembley needs crowds of 10,000 at events to break even.
Many sides in the North will have to continue to play in empty stadiums, with strict Tier 3 restrictions expected to remain in place.
Based on those previous tiers a whopping SEVEN Prem clubs, and 20 in the EFL — including top-flight giants Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City — will still NOT be allowed any fans.
Burnley’s Turf Moor is another that will remain shut and boss Sean Dyche said: “It is a start point.
“Even if it is limited numbers it brings that feel and that connection back. Hopefully it will build quickly after that. We have missed our fans.”
But Salford owner Gary Neville said: “So some clubs will have fans backing them in home fixtures and others will have empty stadiums with no fans. Unfair competition or not?”
A Premier League statement added: “Fans have been greatly missed and we welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the return of supporters for the first time since March, albeit at small numbers.
“Our ambition remains to work with Government to increase attendance to more substantial levels.
“Until this can be done, many fans will be unable to attend games and our clubs will continue to operate matches at a financial loss.”
Only home fans will be allowed in, with clubs under orders to impose strict social distancing.