Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health, made her plea before the crunch match between West Bromwich and Queen Park Rangers – imploring fans to stay at home to avoid spreading Covid-19.

Her call comes after the rate of infection in the borough spiked with dozens of new cases being reported.

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Speaking to the BBC, Dr McNally said: “This is really important for the borough, especially if West Brom is promoted.

“It is going to be amazing but we are at a really difficult time; we are seeing really high rates of infection of Covid-19 in Sandwell.

“So please don’t find yourself in a crowd close to other people leaving yourself vulnerable to infection that could make you ill, but also also makes those close to you very ill.”

She added: “I’ll be honest, I am really very nervous.

“We seeing infection rates that are 10 times higher than where they were a few weeks ago and if we find ourselves in a busy place with lots of other people we are taking a serious risk.”

Earlier this week, Sandwell reported 70 new infections with Smethwick bearing the brunt of the increase with 35 cases.

In response Dr McNally has said the council will use new emergency powers allowing local authorities to close any place of business or open space which proves to be a threat to public health.