Fans can return to live sport next week but who can go and where can they do it?

A closer look at the impact of the new tier system on attendance at live sporting events.

Spectators will be able to attend sports events in certain parts of England from next week after the Government introduced a regionalised tier system to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look.

– What has been announced?

The Government has set out which tier each part of England will be in when the current national lockdown restrictions end on December 2. Only Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly start off in tier one – areas deemed medium risk – but in high-risk tier two, outdoor elite sports venues are able to allow in up to 2,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lowest. This drops to 1,000 or 50 per cent capacity for indoor venues.

Tier three areas – those deemed as very high risk – must continue behind closed doors.

– Who has benefited?

Chelsea and Arsenal Women will be able to play matches in front of spectators when they play at home (Tim Goode/PA)

The EFL said on Thursday that 34 of its 72 clubs were in tier two. Seven of the 12 teams in the Women’s Super League can welcome supporters in, while it’s the same split in rugby union’s Gallagher Premiership.

– When might the first events under the new rules take place?

Kempton can prepare to allow in racegoers from next Wednesday (David Davies/PA)

Racegoers could also attend meetings at Ludlow, Lingfield, Haydock and Kempton on the same day.

– What about the Premier League?

– What about rugby union?

Worcester are planning for 2,000 spectators to attend the Premiership game against Bath on December 5, while the following day 2,000 will watch England’s final autumn international at Twickenham. The Rugby Football Union has said 400 of the tickets will be reserved for local NHS workers, as recognition of their hard work and bravery during the pandemic.

– How will tickets be allocated at other events?

A message thanking the NHS at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Catherine Ivill/NMC Pool/PA)

– Are any indoor events planning to let people in next week?

– Will fans be able to travel from one tier to another to watch their team, even if they own a season ticket?

The Football Association and other bodies are still awaiting clarity on this issue. But Government guidance states that those in tier three should avoid travel to other parts of the UK, except where absolutely necessary.

– What have people said?

Marcelo Bielsa fears the partial return of spectators will create a competitive imbalance (Naomi Baker/PA)

“It shouldn’t be about the category, or the consequences of being in a category, it should be about trying to maintain the competition as equal as possible with things that are controllable,” the Argentinian said.

“The presence of fans has an effect on the results.”