WEYMOUTH fans will not be admitted to home games after Dorset was this afternoon moved into Tier 3 of the national Covid-19 restrictions.

Due to their 'elite sport' status, the Terras cannot admit any supporters to the Bob Lucas Stadium, effective after midnight.

Crucially, Weymouth can continue playing courtesy of the 'elite' tag, even if Dorset was plunged into Tier 4.

However, Dorchester Town, Portland United and Bridport can admit spectators up to 15 per cent of their ground grading capacity.

Dorchester and Portland United's respective Southern and Wessex leagues are suspended, while clubs in Bridport's Western League have been told they can pause play if they wish.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock delivered the latest tier updates.

He said: “Even in most areas not moving into Tier 4, cases are rising too, and it is therefore necessary to apply Tier 3 measures more broadly too.

“These changes will take effect from 12.01am tomorrow morning.

“The new variant means that three quarters of the population are now going to be in Tier 4 and almost all of the country in Tiers 3 and 4.

“And I know that Tier 3 and 4 measures place a significant burden on people, and especially on businesses affected, but I am afraid it is absolutely necessary because of the number of cases that we’ve seen.

“But where we are still able to give places greater freedoms, we will continue to do so.”

The ruling on fans also applies to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) clubs after they were placed into Tier 4 - the toughest restrictions.