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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden insists football fans CANNOT return to stadiums until the spread of Covid-19 is slowed as he admits government's decisions are 'positively hateful' after anger over return of theatregoers

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden accepts there is a growing sense of frustration at the ban on live crowds at sporting events, but insists there can be no change until the spread of coronavirus is curbed.

Speaking at an appearance in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, Dowden was asked by Conservative MP Steve Brine about the fact that some indoor performances, including a speaking event with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at the London Palladium, have been allowed to take place with socially-distanced crowds, while live football remains behind closed doors.