Blackpool FC waiting on government confirmation that supporters will be able to attend play-off semi-final against Oxford United

Blackpool are expecting to receive confirmation later today whether or not supporters will be able to attend their play-off semi-final against Oxford United.
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Opponent and dates revealed for Blackpool's League One play-off semi-final - all...

The Seasiders travel to the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday, May 18 (6pm kick-off) for the first leg after beating Bristol Rovers 1-0 yesterday to secure third place in the table.

Oxford, meanwhile, leapfrogged Portsmouth into sixth place after thrashing Burton Albion 4-0, while Pompey were beaten 1-0 at home by Accrington Stanley.

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The all-important second leg will be hosted at Bloomfield Road on Friday, May 21 (7.45pm kick-off).

Sunderland take on Lincoln City in the other semi-final tie.

All four ties will be screened live on Sky Sports.

It’s hoped limited crowds will be allowed back into grounds for the play-off games, with the final green light from the government just required.

Blackpool last played in front of supporters in September 2020Blackpool last played in front of supporters in September 2020
Blackpool last played in front of supporters in September 2020

It’s understood Boris Johnson will provide an update on this when he confirms the next stage of lockdown being eased in England.

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According to the BBC, the Prime Minister is expected to say the data supports a further relaxation of measures at a 5pm Downing Street news conference later.

Under the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, 10,000 fans will be allowed to attend sporting events from May 17 onwards, or alternatively 25 per cent of your capacity - whichever is lower.

While it's not been confirmed, it's expected the capacity for the second leg at Bloomfield Road will be around 4,000.

Pool fans will not be able to attend the first leg at the Kassam Stadium.

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There also remains uncertainty over whether the play-off final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 30, as initially planned.

It's been reported that the three play-off finals could be moved to either a different date of a different venue to allow the UEFA Champions League final to be played at Wembley.

Manchester City and Chelsea are due to meet in the final in Istanbul, but there are concerns about supporters travelling to Turkey during the pandemic.

The EFL are yet to comment.

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