Prime Minister Boris Johnson reveals when football fans might be able to return to stadiums

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that football supporters can return to stadiums from May 17.
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That means both Blackpool and Fleetwood Town will play their remaining games behind closed doors, with the 2020/21 League One season due to end on May 8.

However, it does raise the prospect of fans attending play-off games should either side finish in the top six.

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Dates for the play-off semi-finals are yet to be confirmed but they would be around May 17.

Clubs in the Premier League, who don't finish their season until May 23, could have fans back in time for their final game of the campaign.

The Prime Minister also revealed a selected number of stadiums will be used to host test events from April.

From May 17, attendances will be capped at 10,000 or 25 per cent of the stadium’s capacity, whichever is lower.

Spectators could return to grounds from May 17Spectators could return to grounds from May 17
Spectators could return to grounds from May 17
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In Blackpool's case, that would mean a capacity of around 4,300 at Bloomfield Road.

The last time the Seasiders played in front of a full house was in March 2020 for the 2-1 defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

They did, however, host 1,000 fans for a test event against Swindon Town in September 2020, which Blackpool won 2-0.

Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium would be able to welcome around 1,300 spectators.

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Today's news means that this summer's sporting events, such as Euro 2020 or Wimbledon, could be held with spectators in attendance.

It's important to stress, however, that any easing of lockdown restrictions will be subject to review.

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