The Premier League has urged the government not to delay plans for the safe return of supporters to stadiums, warning football stands to lose £100million a month while matches are played behind closed doors.

The government is reviewing plans to allow venues to welcome spectators back on a socially-distanced basis from October 1 following a spike in coronavirus cases nationwide.

It has also capped pilot events already pencilled in at a capacity of 1,000, regardless of the size of the venue.

One of the pilot events scheduled for this month, the 2020 British speedway final at the Foxhall Stadium, will go ahead with 1,000 spectators in attendance.

The host club, Ipswich Witches, said far more than 1,000 tickets had been sold but only the first 1,000 to purchase them would now be allowed in.

Another pilot, the Vitality Blast cricket match between Yorkshire and Durham due to take place at Headingley next week, is being played behind closed doors because of the high prevalence of coronavirus cases in the local area.

There will also be 1,000 fans in attendance for Gloucester's clash with Harlequins on Monday in the Gallagher Premiership.