Fans returned to English Football League (EFL) grounds yesterday for the first time in more than nine months as coronavirus restrictions were eased.

Luton and Wycombe, who had not played in front of fans at their home grounds since February, were permitted capacities of 1,000 for their matches.

Carlisle, Charlton, Shrewsbury and Cambridge also welcomed back fans.

Other EFL teams who played last night were in tier three areas, which prohibits supporters at elite level.


Luton and Wycombe were only permitted capacities of 1,000 but Carlisle, Charlton, Shrewsbury and Cambridge were granted 2,000 as they had staged test event matches earlier in the season.

No away fans were allowed and no supporter was able to attend if they live in a tier three area.

Arsenal will be the first Premier League club permitted to host home supporters, when they play Rapid Vienna in the Europa League tomorrow.

The first Premier League fixture to welcome fans will be West Ham's game at home to Manchester United on Saturday, before Chelsea host Leeds later that day.

With the exception of two pilot events at Warwick and Doncaster in September, horse racing has also been without crowds since March, but racegoers were able to return yesterday with Lingfield Park in Surrey, among the tracks able to welcome back spectators.