Blackpool, Fleetwood Town and AFC Fylde fans will have to wait a little longer to return to grounds

The county will be placed into Tier 3 - the tightest level of restrictions - after the national lockdown is lifted next week, the government has announced.

The new restrictions apply to the whole of Lancashire, including Blackpool, Preston, South Ribble, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster, Chorley, Ribble Valley, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle.

A review of the new tier system, which will be introduced on Wednesday, December 2, is scheduled for December 16.

Until then, the return of crowds to events in the region will be barred.

It was confirmed earlier this week that supporters would be permitted to return in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas, with capacities of 4,000 and 2,000 respectively.

It had been hoped that Fleetwood Town could host supporters for their double header against Fylde coast rivals Blackpool at the start of December.

The Seasiders make the short trip to Highbury for the league meeting on Saturday, December 5 before returning four days later for the EFL Trophy second round tie.

Shrewsbury, who Blackpool play on December 29, have been placed in Tier 2, meaning 2,000 supporters will be permitted to attend that game.

Elite sport has continued behind closed doors during England's four-week lockdown, but grassroots and amateur sport has been halted since November 5.

Blackpool hosted a successful test event earlier in the season when 1,000 fans attended the 2-0 win against Swindon Town on September 19.