Leeds United fans must wait for Elland Road return with local Covid restrictions remaining in place

There will be no return to Elland Road for Leeds United supporters until next year with the West Yorkshire region set to remain in Tier 3.

The government has imposed local restrictions up and down the country following the end of a second national lockdown in early December amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Following the introduction of the tiered system, fans were permitted to return to football stadiums at a reduced capacity in Tier 1 and Tier 2 but not Tier 3.

Premier League supporters in London and Liverpool have recently been allowed to attend games but the capital is now moving back into the top tier after a rise in infection rates.

There had been hope earlier in the week that Leeds' tier rating would be downgraded, which would've paved the way for Whites fans to return to the stands in LS11 for the first time since March.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, though, announced on Thursday that West Yorkshire would remain in Tier 3 over the festive period.

He told the Commons: “I regret having to take the action that we have to take.

“I deem it necessary and there is a strong view right across Government that these actions are necessary.

“But I also plead that personal responsibility is absolutely essential to how we as a society should respond to this pandemic."

The government's tiered rating is reviewed on a fortnightly basis, with the next assessment set to take place in the new year.