The spread of the new Omicron coronavirus variant has caused Prime Minister Boris Johnson to enforce new restrictions in England in an attempt to slow transmission of the disease.
The announcement of these 'Plan B' measures will have an impact on sports fans up and down the country, with big venues and significant attendances among the areas affected by the restrictions.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up everything you need to know about attending matches in England this weekend.
What are the new restrictions on sporting events?
Events with crowds of more than 10,000 people - including outdoor sporting events - now require attendees to show proof of double vaccination or evidence of a negative lateral flow test taken in the last 48 hours.
Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people will also be required to show an NHS COVID Pass.
When do the new rules come into effect? Will I need to show a COVID Pass to attend fixtures this weekend?
The 'Plan B' restrictions on events with more than 10,000 people do not come into force until Wednesday, December 15, which means that fans attending matches this weekend will not need to show the COVID Pass.
Matches played on Monday and Tuesday, including the three Premier League fixtures on the latter, will also be played before the new rules come into effect.
However, the four Premier League games taking place on Wednesday - Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley vs. Watford, Crystal Palace vs. Southampton and Arsenal vs. West Ham United - will all require supporters to produce a COVID Pass in order to attend.
What if fans turn up to a match without a COVID Pass?
The new rules are mandatory for venues from Wednesday, December 15, meaning that anyone over the age of 18 who turns up without proof of either double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test taken in the last 48 hours will not be allowed into the stadium.
Many clubs are advising fans to turn up to the stadium earlier than usual due to expected delays when checking COVID statuses.
Will I need to wear a mask inside stadiums?
Once you have proven either your vaccination status or a negative lateral flow test, you will not be required to wear a mask inside the stadium due to them being outdoor venues.
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