Fans in grounds: What to expect at Wolves, West Brom and Aston Villa

But now, with the Premier League season coming to it's close after a campaign like no other, supporters are finally being granted access to stadia to see their side in the flesh.

The first chance fans in the Midlands will get to see their side in action is in midweek, as already-relegated West Brom take on West Ham, whilst Wolves and Aston Villa welcome supporters back on the final day of the season against Manchester United and Chelsea respectively.

But what can you expect to see as fans make their long awaited return to The Hawthorns, Molineux and Villa Park?

Limited capacity

Whilst fans are back in grounds, they will be far from full - due to current restrictions involving mass events here in the UK.

The government has capped the number of supporters in stadia to either 10,000 or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is smaller.

Wolves

Only 4,500 tickets have been made available for Wolves fans, despite Molineux's capacity sitting above 30,000. 25 per cent of that would be above 7,000, but after conversations were held with Wolverhampton Council and due to social distancing guidelines capacity was limited further.

West Brom

Albion have not announced exactly how many supporters have been able to buy tickets via their ballot system, but given the capacity of just under 27,000 at The Hawthorns, around 6,000 are expected to be in attendance for the clash with the Hammers.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa will welcome the maximum number of fans permitted during current restrictions, with the club confirming that 10,000 fans will be permitted in Villa Park for the fixture with Chelsea.

How will fans be seated?

Each club will have their own decisions to make over which stands are open and how seating is organised whilst following government guidelines.

However, season ticket holders won't be issued with their usual seat for obvious reasons. Social distancing in every ground will also be put into place to ensure maximum safety for supporters.

Supporters will be asked to stick to their allocated seats when possible, and should they need to move past others in attendance to do so whilst turning their back to other fans when brushing past.

Fans who have applied as part of a group will have been able to choose seats alongside each other. When entering and leaving grounds, fans will be expected to follow advice on their match tickets and instruction from club stewards.

Can fans cheer and sing?

Clubs are asking fans to follow a code of conduct upon their return to grounds, with shouting, singing and celebrating allowed as long as it's not excessive.

Supporters are also asked to avoid hugs, high-fives, handshakes or any close contact with others not in their own bubble.

For example, if you travel as a group of six, singing and cheering is allowed given that it is not excessive. You can celebrate alongside your bubble.

Are facemasks required for fans?

Yes. It is vital that supporters wear a face mask throughout their stay in stadia, only removing them for short periods if eating or drinking.

Some clubs have stated that only cloth or medical face coverings are acceptable, whilst snoods and scarves are not accepted. Fans should check with their specific club over restrictions regarding specific types of face coverings.

You could be ejected from a ground if you refuse to wear a face covering without a valid reason for doing so.

Will food and drink be on offer in grounds?

None of Wolves, West Brom or Aston Villa will have food and drink available to purchase within the ground via the concourses.

Aston Villa have confirmed that the club will have food and drink available in a socially distanced outdoor fan zone, this will include a number of local food traders and street food providers.

Supporters are permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drink into the ground, but no cans or glass bottles will be allowed in. West Brom are asking fans to bring such refreshments in a clear plastic bag.

You should not share drinks bottles or food with others.

Are toilets open for fans?

Yes, toilets will be open and available to fans on concourses. Fans are asked to queue respectfully if they are busy and follow club or steward guidance when entering the toilets.

There may be signage in place to ensure social distancing is adhered to.

Do fans need to be vaccinated or have a negative test to attend?

No, there are no requirements to prove you have been vaccinated or have tested negative for coronavirus to attend as a fan.

Some clubs are encouraging supporters to make use of widely available lateral flow testing 48 hours before the game to try and make events as safe as possible - but this is not a requirement.

However, should you experience any symptoms of coronavirus (a temperature of 37.8 degrees or above, a new continuous cough, a loss of sense of taste/smell or any other symptoms officially recognised as being symptoms of Covid-19) then you should not attend.

Supporters may have their temperature taken before entering certain stadia, and fans are asked to make use of hand sanitizer provided by clubs in the grounds. You can bring your own sanitizer should you choose to, but it must be in a plastic bottle no larger than 50ml.

Fans in attendance may be contacted before the game to be asked to complete a health questionnaire, if you receive an email asking you to complete one, you must do so or risk being turned away.

Other points

• If a football lands near you, supporters are urged not to return the ball to the field of play, but to their nearest steward for it to be properly cleaned.

• Fans are asked to avoid using public transport if possible, but should you have to that you are mindful of everyone's safety when doing so.

• Supporters are asked to arrive early to ensure smooth entry into grounds. Some clubs are utilising timed entry into grounds, so keep this in mind too if your ticket displays a timed entry.

• Fans must follow instruction from club stewards at all times to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance.