A limited number of football fans will be allowed to attend matches involving clubs in Tier 3 areas, the FA and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have confirmed.
Fans Allowed to Return to Watch Tier 3 Football
Limited Fan Numbers Also Allowed Into Women’s Football and FA Vase Matches
A limited number of fans had previously been allowed to attend matches hosted by clubs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas.
And supporters will now be able to return to football matches hosted by clubs in Tier 3 areas – although it still excludes ‘elite’ clubs.
Clubs competing in steps 3-6 of the National League System and tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid will be permitted to accommodate up to 15 per cent of their ground capacity.
Teams competing in the Buildbase FA Vase will also be allowed to have up to 15 per cent of their ground in attendance.
Supporters will also be allowed to attend FA Trophy matches – but only if the tie is between two ‘non-elite’ clubs.
All fixtures involving ‘elite clubs’ in Tier 3 areas will remain behind closed doors.
Safety Precautions Continue as Football Fans Return to Non-League in Tier 3
Clubs are advised to liaise with their Local Authority to agree on a capacity before fans may return.
Clubs reported for breaching spectator limits, or reported for a lack of social distancing, could face returning to behind closed doors.
National League side Weymouth made local headlines after fans of the Step 1 side “let the club down badly”.
During the game, which was broadcast live on BT Sport, fans were seen breaking social distancing.
A section of the club’s supporters also reportedly brought alcohol into the ground, and some ignored the smoking ban.
It means the Dorset-based club, who are currently in Tier 2, will have their capacity reduced further as a result.
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