Police urge Blackpool supporters to 'stay safe' if they're planning to celebrate outside Bloomfield Road today

A number of supporters are expected to congregate outside the ground to celebrate Blackpool's achievement of reaching the League One play-offs with a game to spare.

The Seasiders take on Bristol Rovers in their final game of the regular season, with the game kicking off at the earlier time of noon.

It comes after Neil Critchley's side booked their spot in the play-offs on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win against Doncaster Rovers.

Critchley, Jerry Yates and some of the other players joined in with the celebrations that were taking place outside the main reception after the game.

A group of fans had congregated behind fencing, where they serenaded Pool's head coach who responded with applause and a thumping of his chest.

Yates, this season's top scorer with 22 goals in all competitions, and Keshi Anderson took things one step further by jumping into the crowd.

The fans had earlier set off a smoke bomb outside the North Stand, where they had been chanting and banging the gates throughout the game.

With similar scenes expected today, Lancashire Police s dedicated Twitter account has urged caution.

"Morning all, long time no see," Seasiders Police posted.

"If you’re heading down to the ground later for a celebration remember we’re nearly there with restrictions but try to social distance and to wear face masks when required.

"Stay safe."

The League One play-offs begin on May 18 and May 19, when limited crowds will be allowed back into the grounds.

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.

In Blackpool’s case, a quarter of Bloomfield Road’s capacity is 4,334.

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