Middlesbrough set to play behind closed doors until next year as Stoke, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday are also placed in Tier 3

England is set to go into a tier system from December 2, while football supporters will be allowed to return to games in low-risk areas.

It’s been announced that up to 2,000 fans will be allowed to attend games in tier two areas, which includes clubs in London.

Yet many areas, including the North East, Sheffield, Bristol and Birmingham, have been placed in tier three meaning many Championship clubs will continue to play matches behind closed doors.

Boro will face Stoke, Preston, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday away from home in December, clubs which are also located in tier three areas.

It means Neil Warnock’s side are unlikely to play in front of a crowd until the new year.

The tier system will be reviewed every 14 days.

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