Phased Reopening of Fratton Park CANCELLED!

Following the latest announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, it has been revealed that the planned system to slowly reintroduce supporters back into sports stadiums has been suspended.

The implementation of the new guidelines, which were set out earlier this afternoon, means that we are unlikely to see fans take position back in their seats at PO4 for at least another six months.

This comes as the UK's COVID-19 Alert Level was moved to 4, meaning that transmission is "high or rising exponentially".

Pompey had applied to the EFL last week to allow Fratton Park, which has not hosted a match with supporters since March the 10th, to serve as one of the stadiums testing the return of spectators at a reduced capacity of 1,000. This dream has now been shattered.

Further scheduled pilot events up and down the country have also been paused, with October the 1st the original date pencilled in to begin the trials.

The new 'rule of six' has also now been extended to apply to indoor sports teams.

Portsmouth are likely to continue their League One campaign behind closed doors until March at the earliest, which would complete a whole year without fans in attendance.

We will keep you updated with updates on this story, as well as other factors and guidelines which could impact Pompey, via our website and through The Football Hour, which remains on air every Monday and Friday between 6 & 7pm.

Let us know your thoughts on this news by tuning into and getting in touch with the show, which returns this Friday the 25th!

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