The message to Portsmouth fans over whether they can sing as supporters return against Peterborough

The promotion clash with Peterborough represents a landmark occasion as supporters are welcomed back to Pompey’s home after 270 days.

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There’s excitement and anticipation at 2,000 people being present after their absence through the Covid-19 pandemic, as a sizeable step is taken towards normality.

A host of restrictions have been put in place to allow supporters to safely attend the game.

With guidelines being issued by the EFL, government and safety advisory groups the advice is for fans not to sing or chant at the game.

But Catlin explained there will a sensible application of those recommendations at PO4.

He said: ‘If you look at the rules and regulations it’s a no no, in terms of chanting and screaming.

‘When people are up chanting and screaming the theory is you’re in great danger of spreading the virus by exhaling and your molecules get into the environment.

‘For us as a club it would be difficult to police that, however.

‘All I would urge is that even though you don’t have to keep your masks on when you’re sat down under the guidance, I would urge that at all times.

‘We appreciate that football is a passionate game and sometimes it’s a knee-jerk reaction to shout or sing something.

‘So we have to bear that mind, but the advice is not to indulge in singing or chanting.

‘But all the way through this it’s been hard to put rules in place and there has to be a level of common sense.’

The undertaking to allow fans into Fratton Park has been significant and Catlin is confident everything will be in place to allow that to happen safely.

While it’s important the rules are followed, he feels it’s key the supporters lucky enough to be present are able to enjoy such a key occasion.

Catlin added: ‘We’re dotting i’s and crossing t’s in terms of regulatory processes, but we’re really looking forward to it, and it’s going to be great to have fans back in.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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