West Ham v Arsenal confirmed as the first fixture to feature fans

The government has given permission for fans to be allowed in to West Ham's Women's Super League fixture against Arsenal on 12 September as part of its programme of test events ahead of a wider return for supporters next month.

Tickets will be available to West Ham Women season ticket holders and will be played at their new Dagenham & Redbridge home ground. 

It was hoped Chelsea's trip to Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season would also see some supporters allowed in but those plans were cancelled due to local lockdown restrictions in Greater Manchester.

The Victoria Road stadium has a capacity of 6,078 but only a maximum of 1,000 will be allowed in.

West Ham United women’s head coach Matt Beard said: “To be chosen as one of the very first football matches in the United Kingdom to welcome back fans is brilliant - one that the team and I are very much looking forward to."