Blow for Bristol Rovers as upcoming game against Blackpool to be played behind closed doors

The Seasiders make the trip to the Memorial Stadium on January 2 in their opening fixture of 2021.

The city of Bristol, which has been in Tier 2 since December 17, has now been placed into Tier 3, the government has today announced.

This has dashed the club's hopes of hosting 1,000 fans on December 29 for their test event against Portsmouth.

Had that event gone smoothly, Rovers were planning to welcome 2,000 fans to the ground for their following game against the Seasiders.

But those plans are now to be scrapped following the government's latest announcement, which has seen restrictions tightened in response to the spread of the new strain of the coronavirus.

Blackpool will, however, play in front of 2,000 fans when they face Shrewsbury Town at the New Meadow on Tuesday, December 29, as Shropshire remains in Tier 2.

Neil Critchley's side have played in front of supporters on just one occasion this season, during the 2-0 win against Swindon Town in September.

The fixture was one of a handful of designated test events, with 2,000 Pool fans briefly returning to Bloomfield Road.

Lancashire remains in Tier 3, meaning Blackpool's home games will continue to be played with no fans.

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