<p>LONDON — The goal scored by Kelechi Iheanacho didn’t just send Leicester into a first FA Cup final since 1969. It was the first to be cheered by spectators at Wembley in more than a year.</p>
<p>Not since March 2020 had fans been allowed into English football’s national stadium through three national lockdowns.</p>
<p>Now as coronavirus restrictions are eased, Wembley was allowed a 4,000-strong, socially distant crowd on Sunday to witness Leicester’s 1-0 victory over Southampton to test the return of spectators.</p>
<p>While those permitted were only local residents in the north London district over the age of 18 who tested negative for COVID-19, some fans of both teams did manage to land tickets.</p>
<p>By the time Leicester faces Chelsea in the May 15 FA Cup final, the government hopes up to 21,000 spectators will be allowed, including a sizable contingent officially from both clubs.</p>
<p>The pilot scheme is aimed at trying to increasing the numbers up to half of the 90,000-capacity Wembley for the European Championship final on July 11.</p>
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Home Science & Technology Climate / Environment Crowd returns to Wembley to see Leicester reach FA Cup final