Fresh boost for Sunderland, Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool United fans as region waits for tier status
and live on Freeview channel 276
There are widespread reports this afternoon that the Government is set to announce that a maximum of 4,000 fans are set to be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas, tier one, when the national lockdown ends next week.
The lockdown will end on December 2 with a new tier system of Covid-19 restrictions put in place. The North East has had among the highest rates of infection in recent months but it is not yet clear what tier the region will be placed into from next week.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIf it remains in tier three, the highest, then no fans will be allowed back inside stadiums at this stage.
However, up to 4,000 fans will be allowed in to tier one areas and up to 2,000 in tier two areas.
Football has been played throughout the recent lockdown from Premier League level down to National League level but no fans have been allowed inside stadiums all season, with games being played behind-closed-doors.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement later on Monday evening about the return of crowds. A vote will then take place later this week.
Football fans in the North East will be eagerly awaiting updates from the Government on whether they will soon be allowed back inside stadiums after months of watching the action from home.