Leeds United fans set for Elland Road return on the final day of the Premier League season under new plans
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Leeds United fans could be set for a return to Elland Road on the final day of the Premier League season in May.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon to outline initial plans and key dates for a 'road map' out of the current national lockdown imposed across England amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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Hide AdDuring the speech, he confirmed that elite sport stadiums will be able to host 10,000 fans, or a quarter of a full capacity - whichever is smaller - from May 17.
The plans are subject to approval and the meeting of four aspects of criteria that will see restrictions slowly eased across the country over the next four months.
At each one, the success of the vaccine rollout, vaccine efficacy, the presence of virus variants and infection rates will be measured before deciding whether to take the next step in lifting restrictions further.
Marcelo Bielsa's side host West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on May 23 - which is set to be the final game of the current top flight campaign. The announcement means that potentially 9,400 fans will be able to attend the fixture against the Baggies in LS11.
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Hide AdLeeds fans have been locked out of the club's home ground since March 7 last year, and have had to watch on from afar as United play out their first Premier League campaign in 16 years behind closed doors.
Managing director Angus Kinnear recently stated the Whites were hopeful of a full return for supporters to stadiums for the start of next season, but today's announcement may allow for a reduced capacity to attend games earlier than first thought.
"I think most of the Premier League is focused on ensuring that we get a full return to fans at the start of next season," Kinnear said.
"I think the learning across everybody as we've looked at all of the operational requirements, it's actually just better to get everybody back. Rather than have half or 25%, we just need to get back to full stadiums."
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