Football is pleading with the Government not to lock out spectators in the new year unless Covid data is clear that a national health emergency requires a fan ban.
As the game faces up to the possibility of more matches behind closed doors — with Wales introducing a ban on spectators today and crowds in Scotland limited to 500 — football authorities in England fear that a fresh bout of restrictions on spectators is imminent.
Government sources say they are monitoring Covid data constantly and it is currently impossible to predict whether it will be necessary to shut out fans to protect public health.