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FA Cup final could be used as test event as UK fans return in May

Crowds are set to return to stadiums across the UK from May 17.  British Prime Minister Boris Jo...



FA Cup final could be used as...
Other Sports

FA Cup final could be used as test event as UK fans return in May

Crowds are set to return to stadiums across the UK from May 17. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that stadiums would be allowed to hold up to 10,000 spectators.

The FA Cup final is due to be held at Wembley Stadium on May 15, but could be used as a test event.

It also means the final round of Premier League games on May 23 will play out in front of crowds.

The Wimbledon tennis Championships, golf's Open Championship and Euro 2020 are also set to benefit from the decision.

Johnson confirmed the lifting of restrictions on crowds as part of a wider 'roadmap' out of lockdown.

It's the British government's hope that measures like social distancing and mask-wearing will be things of the past by mid-June of this year.

However, Johnson warned that, "The threat remains substantial with the numbers in hospital only now beginning to fall below the peak of the first wave in April.

"But we are able to take these steps because of the resolve of the British people and the extraordinary success of our NHS in vaccinating more than 17.5 million people across the UK."

Runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City play their final game of the season at home against Everton. It could come to pass that Pep Guardiola's side will be presented with the trophy in front of 10,000 fans at their Etihad Stadium.

The FA have welcomed the decision, saying, "The FA is absolutely delighted that fans will be allowed back soon.

"The game is simply not the same without them and we look forward to the return of full stadia as soon as it is safe and possible."

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