WORCESTER Raiders are awaiting news on their season restart date after West-Midlands (Regional) League announced an “emergency meeting”.

The WMRL, in which Raiders play in the Premier Division, called the meeting with their clubs tonight to discuss the implications of the new coronavirus tier system, with attendance numbers and limitations on food and drink being the major issues.

Following the news last week that crowds of up to 2,000 or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lowest, could return to stadiums in tier two areas from December 2, Raiders officials were hopeful of record numbers at Sixways, due to its almost 12,000 capacity.

However, it is understood that 300 spectators will be the cap on step 6 football games, regardless of the maximum a ground can hold..

Clubs in tier three areas have been told they must carry out their home games behind closed doors.

With a large proportion of the Midlands region being placed in the ‘very high alert’ category, a significant number of games will be played in empty stadiums, which would have a detrimental affect on clubs’ financial situation.

Tier two clubs such as Raiders might be allowed supporters but clubs under those restrictions are concerned by the government's decision to limit venues to provide food and drink on site.

A number of leagues between steps three and six in the non-league football ladder have suspended their seasons until the government review the tier system again on December 16.

Raiders were due to kick-start their campaign again on December 13 with a home tie against league leaders Shawbury United.

The fixture was being targeted for a record attendance as broadcaster and non-league expert Tony Incenzo was due to cover the game for talkSport radio.

There were hopes it could have been a crowd of 1,000-plus for the match at Sixways but it is looking like Raiders will only be allowed the 300 fans.

Official news on the issue is expected tonight or tomorrow morning.