On Wednesday, a total of "about 10,000 fans will be allowed into six games in the English Football League," with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 2,000. Some key differences to the matchday experience include fans being told to do the following: not to touch the ball if it comes near them; "not to approach players for autographs and selfies before or after games; to wear face masks as they enter the stadium and go to their seats." Additionally, fans will be "told to arrive at stadiums early" and be "advised against using toilet facilities 'at peak times'" (BBC, 12/1).
Meanwhile, new government rules have "opened the way" for individual test events to take place at Twickenham and other stadiums which would "allow more fans than the maximum permitted by tier restrictions." The exemption from the 2,000 limit in tier-two areas and 4,000 in tier one is "made clear in the government guidance." The most likely venue for the first major test event in January "looks to be Twickenham," with the Rugby Football Union "keen on as many supporters as possible being admitted" for the Six Nations, which starts in early February (LONDON TIMES, 12/1).
