THE Department for Media, Culture and Sport has changed its guidance on permitting fans to grassroots sport from Monday, April 12.

Updated rules now suggest that sports played on private land cannot admit fans.

Football grounds are expected to fall within the 'private land' banner, although the DCMS has yet to clarify this in a move once more set to anger supporters.

Organised sport taking place in a public space can permit fans subject to the rule of six or two household guidelines.

Monday, May 17 has been mooted for the return of fans to stadiums.

The new rules say: "Spectators are not permitted to attend sporting events taking place on private land, other than adults needed to supervise under-18s that they have a responsibility for or providing care or assistance to a person with disabilities participating in an organised sporting event or activity.

"They should maintain social distance and not mix with other households.

"This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in a public space, such as a park, in groups of up to six people or two households.

"However, sporting events that are intended to attract spectators (including ticketed events), or events that are likely to attract a significant number of spectators (e.g. a major marathon) should not take place in a public space, or on private land, until Step Three."

Organised sport outdoors restarted from Monday, March 29 under stage one of lockdown easing.

Spectators had initially been allowed as fans could attend grassroots football, such as the Dorset Premier League Supplementary Cup, from April 12

Changing rooms have opened but hospitality is banned.