Leeds United fans could return to Elland Road before the end of the year after update from Health Secretary in Commons

The city of Leeds is currently under Tier 3 restrictions in the country's fight against coronavirus meaning no spectators are permitted into Elland Road for United's home games.

But grounds that fall within Tier 2 areas are permitted to allow 2,000 supporters and Health Secretary Matt Hancock's response to a question from Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn on Monday afternoon all but confirmed that Leeds could be moved into Tier 2 from Wednesday.

If so, that would mean Leeds being able to welcome 2,000 fans for the forthcoming home clash against Burnley which is a 12 noon kick-off on Sunday, December 27.

Every one of United's home games since March 7 has so far been played in front of empty stands without fans.

Presented with data from Leeds Central MP Benn on dropping infection rates, and after being told the credibility of past statements which promised areas reprieve if the statistics improved depended on his decisions, Hancock said Benn had made a “typically wise intervention ahead of the decision making on Wednesday."

Elmet and Rothwell Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke said that although Hancock had hinted Leeds could move into Tier 2, that hospitality businesses needed time to put that into place.

And Hancock said any decision taken on Wednesday would be published on Thursday, before coming into force just past midnight on Saturday.

But football and sport in London will have to move back behind closed doors after the capital was placed into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions.

London will move into Tier 3 from Wednesday meaning the capital's stadiums will once again be empty.

West Ham hosted 2,000 fans when they played Manchester United at the London Stadium last weekend, but their home match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night will be behind closed doors, as will the matches at Arsenal and Fulham.

The only midweek Premier League fixture to have a crowd will be the top-of-the-table clash at Anfield, when Liverpool meet Tottenham.

As of Wednesday only Liverpool, Everton, Brighton and Southampton in the top flight will be allowed 2,000 fans, until the restrictions are eased.

The city of Leeds, though, is expected to join the areas in Tier 2 with effect from the weekend.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/health/coronavirus/matt-hancock-hints-leeds-could-move-tier-2-later-week-3067559

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Thank you Laura Collins