Middlesbrough, Norwich and Charlton will allow supporters back into stadiums this weekend as part of EFL pilot programme

As part of the ongoing ‘return of fans’ pilot programme, crowds will be capped at a capacity of 1,000 as discussions continue with the Government about more supporters returning in October.

The move comes after 1,000 spectators attended Cambridge’s EFL Trophy win over Fulham earlier this month – England's first competitive fixture with fans since March.

Norwich’s meeting with Preston at Carrow Road will also be allowed to welcome 1,000 fans back to grounds this weekend.

Luton’s game against Derby at Kenilworth Road was also chosen but the Hatters have announced they are unable to host spectators at this time.

The following games in League One will also run as part of the pilot programme: Charlton Athletic v Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool v Swindon, Shrewsbury v Northampton, Hull v Crewe.

And in League Two: Forest Green v Bradford, Carlisle v Southend, Morecambe v Cambridge.

EFL Chair, Rick Parry said: “It’s encouraging that we are in a position to move forward with the next phase of the pilot programme and give a small number of our Clubs the opportunity to welcome back up to a 1,000 fans this week.

“The health and well-being of supporters and their wider communities remains the priority, but as we showed at Cambridge, social distancing can be applied safely. By extending across more EFL Clubs we hope to further demonstrate that the measures developed can allow fans to return in greater numbers from as early as next month.

“The requirement to welcome spectators back through turnstiles has not diminished in any way, the financial challenges facing EFL Clubs have been explained on numerous occasions, they are substantial and a problem that requires immediate solutions."

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said: "I know that many fans are eager to return to football and that jobs depend on this too, so fans will welcome news that the EFL will be running number capped, covid secure, and socially distanced pilots this weekend. This will help us build the evidence base to see how we can return fans safely in greater numbers as soon as it is safe to do so."

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