Portsmouth fans launch novel campaign to get Barry Harris back into Fratton Park for Oxford United clash

But admirers of the Blues stalwart aren’t intending to compromise Harris’ safety, as he protects his health by missing the play-off game with Oxford United.

The kit assistant has a long-standing chest complaint and the view has been taken the sensible course of action is for the 76-year-old to stay clear of the game next month amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Supporters have now taken matters into their own hands, however, and come to Harris’ aid ahead of the showdown with the U’s next month.

And it’s a novel way of remedying the situation with fans attempting to raise funds to pay for a lifesize cutout to be present at Pompey’s home on July 3!

Blues fan Matt Forster is behind the idea and has launched a social media campaign and gofundme page to ensure Harris makes it to the game in cardboard form.

With football taking place behind closed doors, Pompey are already offering fans the chance to be at the game in cutout form - a sight at many games since football resumed.

Harris has a near-perfect home attendance record stretching back to 1965.

The only other Fratton Park game he’s missed since returning from a spell in New Zealand was the home game with Wimbledon in 2002, after his wife’s father died.

And using the hashtag #GetBarryToTheBall fans are now being encouraged to help protect that record in unorthodox fashion.

Any money left over after paying for the cutout will be used to support the planned John Jenkins Stadium in the city.

Observers have noted this may not be the first time Harris has been at a Pompey game in cutout form.

The kit assistant used to be the Pompey sailor and walk around the pitch perimeter at games with a cutout of the seafaring character famously associated with the club.

To support the bid you can donate to the fund by clicking HERE.

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