Carlisle United's decision to reduce their capacity so fans don't have to provide Covid-19 certification has attracted support from some prominent lockdown sceptics.

The Blues yesterday announced they were lowering Brunton Park's capacity to 9,999 amid new government Plan B measures.

That will take the stadium below the 10,000 threshold beyond which people must show vaccine passports or negative lateral flow tests before attending sporting events.

Given United's average league attendance this season is 4,765, with a highest crowd of 7,470, it means they can comfortably expect to accommodate supporters under the new rules in a spacious ground whose capacity is normally closer to the 17,000 mark.

But that did not stop certain well-known figures in the anti-lockdown movement seizing upon the decision and praising the Cumbrians.

Former footballer Matt Le Tissier, who has been accused of spreading Covid "consipiracy theories" on social media, said United were "my new second team" because of the move.

Businessman and politician Richard Tice, former Brexit Party chairman and current leader of Reform UK, claimed it was evidence of "creative thinking" from the Blues.

"We should all give our support to Carlisle United for their bold creative thinking. I’m a new fan," he wrote.

Some supporters pointed out to the pair that the Blues were unlikely to get close to their revised capacity with forthcoming attendances and criticised Le Tissier and Tice for their take on the announcement, saying it was NOT a case of United being "anti-vaccine".

Indeed, Brunton Park has hosted a mobile Covid vaccination unit this season while the stadium was also used as a testing centre from an early stage in the pandemic.

United's announcement has also attracted plenty of national media attention, with the Daily Star describing the capacity decision as "crafty".

The temporary new Brunton Park capacity will see a total seating capacity of 6,000 and terracing capacity of 3,999.

United say the reduced standing capacity means demand could outstrip supply, and have advised fans to buy their terracing tickets in advance.

Carlisle will keep all their stands open other than the Waterworks End.

Amid concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant, United have assured fans that they still do not have to wear a face covering when in their seat or terracing position, while masks are not mandatory in hospitality and bar areas.

News and Star: A sign at Brunton Park in September last year. Under the new measures, face coverings must be worn in certain indoor settings at the ground but not when fans are in their seats or terracing positions (photo: PA)A sign at Brunton Park in September last year. Under the new measures, face coverings must be worn in certain indoor settings at the ground but not when fans are in their seats or terracing positions (photo: PA)

Fans aged 11 and over will, though, be legally required to wear a face covering when located in all indoor areas of the stadium, other than when eating or drinking, or where exempt. 

That includes when fans are in the Pioneer Stand concourse and other inside areas such as toilets and entry and exit points.

United also "strongly recommend" wearing face coverings when brushing past others or moving in, out and around the stadium.

A socially-distanced area in Section 8 of the Pioneer Stand will remain.

"Whilst we will not be introducing mandatory Covid certification at this time, it is critical all our fans continue to play their part in minimising the risk our games pose to fellow fans and the wider community," a club statement said.

United, meanwhile, say that on the playing side, they are continuing to adapt seating and rooming plans for away trips on the basis of which players have and have not been vaccinated.

The EFL has asked clubs to segregate players accordingly.

The Blues' statement added: "As a club we have maintained the basic principles of dealing with Covid-19 which were initially introduced in March 2019, and which have been updated and modified regularly since.

"The football department operates in Red Zones both on match days and throughout the week, with access to those zones restricted to essential visits only for non-football staff and contractors.

"Players are on a regular cycle of lateral flow tests, and are under the close supervision of the club’s medical staff for advice, should they have any concerns.

"The vaccination status of individuals is monitored, with seating and rooming lists compiled accordingly for away trips."

News and Star: United say seating and rooming arrangements for players on away trips is being decide based on their vaccination status (photo: Richard Parkes)United say seating and rooming arrangements for players on away trips is being decide based on their vaccination status (photo: Richard Parkes)

United have, sadly, had to restrict player community appearances, while the annual children's Christmas Party will not take place this year - likewise a planned visit to Jigsaw Hospice.

"We continue to ask fans not to come to the training sessions as we look to maintain a Covid bubble," the club added.

"Although not guaranteed to provide complete protection for our playing staff in what is an ever-changing and dynamic landscape, we continue to do everything we can to keep Covid ‘out of the building’ and we thank you for your help and assistance with that."

United have also updated the Covid-19 spectator code of conduct. For more details visit the club website HERE