FA Cup final among events to be used as tests for return of spectators

The events will test a range of 'non-pharmaceutical' methods to allow the safe return of fans without social distancing - including venue layout, face coverings and ventilation.

KISS OF LIFE: Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates the Gunners' FA Cup final win last August over Chelsea. The British Government is planning to use May's 2021 decider as a pilot to test the large-scale return of spectators to venues.

The FA Cup final in May and the World Snooker Championship will be among a group of sporting and cultural events used as pilots to test the large-scale return of spectators to venues.

The British Government announced plans for a pilot programme to get underway in April when it set out its road map in February for the easing of coronavirus restrictions, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has now provided more detail, saying there will be "around a dozen'' events serving as tests in total.