LABOUR has demanded the government issues mass testing for transport workers immediately as football fans return to stadiums for the first time in nine months.

Tier 2 areas were allowed up to 2,000 spectators at games from last night, with tonight’s Europa League tie at Arsenal’s Ashburton Grove Stadium expecting to host the aforementioned amount.

This weekend will see five Premier League games this weekend taking place in Tier 2 areas, three in London alone over the course of 48 hours.

There will also be a further five Championship games and a further three Premiership rugby games.

To avoid a further spread of the coronavirus during winter, as people look to do their Christmas shopping and see their loved ones, Labour shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon has urged his counterpart Grant Shapps to set out a plan in Parliament for the safe return of supporters this weekend.

McMahon said: “Ministers need to have a plan in place to protect fans and transport workers ahead of the return of spectators to sports grounds this weekend.

“As eager fans head to kick-offs at their home grounds for the first time in months, they need the confidence that they can do so safely.

“The government needs to deliver mass testing for transport workers and suspend peak fares over Christmas to minimise the risk of overcrowded trains that could spread the virus.”

Last week, McMahon urged ministers to suspend peak fares and provide mass coronavirus testing for transport workers, including train staff, bus drivers and highway personnel, over Christmas to help avoid “travel chaos and to keep families safe during the festive period.”

The government recently announced that travel restrictions will be lifted from December 23-27 to allow people to spend time with family over Christmas. 

Over two million people travelled by rail between Christmas and New Year over the last few years, with millions more travelling by car each day.