The return of spectators at sporting action in Sussex has been put on hold at short notice.

Goodwood had been set to welcome 5,000 race-goers tomorrow.

That is one of the pilot sport events with spectators in attendance which will now not take place in the first two weeks of August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today.

It is unclear what this will mean for Albion at this early stage.

Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber said this week he would like to think some fans would be able to return to the Amex by Christmas.

High-level discussions continue regarding a return of supporters to Premier League matches some time after October 1.

But the talks are complicated by the wide variety of layouts, sizes and locations of the 20 top-tier stadia.

A two-day county cricket friendly between Surrey and Middlesex was played with spectators in attendance earlier this week.

But it appears that, for the time being, that will be as far as it goes in a tightening of restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Sussex start their cricket season tomorrow, when they host Hampshire behind closed doors in the Bob Willis Trophy (11am).

It is understood Premier League clubs had been hoping to admit supporters at pre-season friendlies next month on a socially-distanced basis.

Racing will continue behind closed doors at Goodwood, as it has on the previous four days of the meeting.

The pilot would have been of great interest to other racecourses in Sussex, as well as Hove greyhound stadium.