Football fans set to return to stadiums around the country

Dons supporters could soon be allowed back into Stadium MK when the lockdown in England ends at the start of December.

Low-risk areas could see up to 4,000 fans given access to stadia, with 2,000 allowed in tier two. Fans will still be locked out of tier three zones.

Indoor venues, such as the Marshall Arena, will be open to up to 1,000 spectators in tiers one and two.

Grassroots sports will also be able to resume from December 2.

"In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing," said the Prime Minister this afternoon.

"Later this week, we will announce which areas will fall into which tier - I hope on Thursday - based on analysis of cases in all age groups, especially the over-60s.

"Also, [it will involve] looking at the rate at which cases are rising or falling, the percentage of those tested in a local population who have Covid and current and projected pressures on the NHS."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This is a big step forward for sport. Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority, so I'm pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier, in recognition of the significant health benefits.

"I'm also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest-risk areas first.

"I'm confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in."

In a statement, MK Dons wrote: "We are awaiting further information from government and the EFL as to what this means for Milton Keynes and MK Dons and hope to provide an update for supporters in due course.

"The club has been working diligently to make the necessary arrangements to welcome fans back to Stadium MK in a Covid-secure manner, as soon as current Government guidelines allowed."