Portsmouth fans won't be back inside Fratton Park this season

However, there is a possibility of some Blues supporters being able to attend the League One play-off final – if Kenny Jackett’s side contest it.

The news comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined his four-part road map for easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the House of Commons this afternoon.

Monday, May 17, is the date identified for spectators to finally return to football stadia – albeit at a reduced capacity – under step three of the proposals.

Crowds will be capped at 10,000 in grounds with a capacity of over 40,000, and at 25 per cent in all other venues.

However, with Pompey’s last game of the season at home to Accrington on Saturday May 8, there is no likelihood of the Fratton faithful returning to the stands of PO4 between now and the end of the current campaign.

Yet there’s hope if the Blues’ season is extend beyond the regular term.

No dates have been announced for the play-off semi-finals.

But if the Blues – who currently sit fifth in the League One table – were to remain in the play-off positions and progress to the final, then there is the expectation that some fans could be present when the final is held at Wembley on Sunday, May 30.

Such a plan, though, requires tests on vaccines, infection rates and new coronavirus variants to be met.

Pompey have been forced to play almost all of this season behind closed doors.

Back in December, a crowd of 2,000 fans were allowed into the games against Peterborough and Fleetwood respectively thanks to Johnson’s tiered system in dealing with coronavirus.

However, the Government’s plan to continue the return of fans was dramatically halted by current lockdown measures.

Under step four of the roadmap, the PM hopes to lift restrictions on large events from 21 June – opening the door for fans to return to Fratton Park next season.