Republic of Ireland: 200 fans permitted to return to large stadiums

Croke Park is among the stadiums in the Republic of Ireland which have been devoid of spectators

A limited number of spectators will be permitted to attend sporting events in the Republic of Ireland from Wednesday, as part of the Irish government's 'Living with Covid plan'.

Up to 200 fans will be allowed at venues with a capacity of more than 5,000, while 100 people will be allowed inside smaller grounds.

All sporting events have been held behind closed doors since last month as the government moved to curtail a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Specific guidance will be developed for large stadia, with a decision expected to be made on what the permanent capacity can be.

While Shamrock Rovers' meeting with AC Milan on Thursday will still be held in the absence of fans, in line with Uefa protocol, the move could see some fans present at Leinster's Champions Cup quarter-final against Saracens in Dublin on Saturday, however given the number of cases in the capital the number is currently capped at 100.

Last week the FAI, GAA and IRFU met to discuss a joint submission to the government in the Republic of Ireland on the return of supporters to stadia.

The GAA sought "empirical evidence" from government experts on the correlation between outdoor sporting events and Covid-19.

In Northern Ireland, up to 500 fans are allowed to attend events where social distancing is possible, while Ulster GAA has capped the number of spectators at 400.