Carlisle United is limiting spectator numbers at its stadium to 9,999 to avoid having to impose ‘Plan B’ coronavirus rules.

The announcement comes despite the League Two club’s largest gate this season – when it played Barrow last month – being 7,470.

There will be “no mandatory COVID certification at Brunton Park at this time”, the Blues said in a statement.

Attendance at the ground in Cumbria will be split between 6,000 seats and a maximum of 3,999 supporters standing.

It added that because of the limit on standing, demand for tickets “could outstrip supply” and fans were “advised to buy in advance”.

Under Plan B in England, NHS COVID passes are required for unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

Almost 100 Conservative MPs voted against the passes last night, in the biggest Tory rebellion since the 2019 election.

Carlisle said all parts of the ground, except Waterworks North End, would remain open.

“There will be no requirement to show vaccination status or a recent negative test to enter the stadium and come to games,” the club said.

However, face coverings are required in the East Stand concourse and all other inside areas.

Masks are also recommended “when brushing past others”.

Meanwhile, Luton Town has also issued a statement on Plan B, saying there will be “no change to the matchday arrangements currently in place for supporters attending fixtures at Kenilworth Road”.

It added: “Our peak physical attendance for a home match this season saw fewer than 9,000 fans against an accounting attendance (actual tickets sold) of over 10,000.

“Indeed, the last time Kenilworth Road contained more than 10,000 people was almost 30 years ago.”

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