Prime Minister Boris Johnson reveals football fans can return to grounds next month - but tiered restrictions will apply

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has this afternoon confirmed that a maximum of 4,000 supporters can return to outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas.

It comes after the PM confirmed the national lockdown would end on December 2, spelling a return to the tiered approach.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Johnson also confirmed up to 2,000 fans will be allowed in tier two areas but zero in tier three.

The PM will confirm the tiers on Thursday.

"In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing," the PM said.

"Later this week we will announce which areas will fall into which tier - I hope on Thursday - based on analysis of cases in all age groups, especially the over-60s.

"Also, [it will involve] looking at the rate at which cases are rising or falling, the percentage of those tested in a local population who have Covid and current and projected pressures on the NHS."

Given the current infection rate in the North West, it's highly likely that the Fylde coast will remain under tier three restrictions, meaning our local clubs would have to continue without fans initially.

Blackpool play rivals Fleetwood Town twice in quick succession at the start of December, making 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.

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