Fans set to return for Newcastle United's final game of the season against Fulham

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today revealed that some supporters, locked out of grounds since last March due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be allowed back inside stadiums from May 17.

“The turnstiles of our sports stadia will once again rotate, subject in all cases to capacity limits depending on the size of the venue,” said Johnson, who was announcing a roadmap out of the latest lockdown.

Premier League clubs will be allowed to accommodate up to 10,000 supporters, or 25% of capacity, whichever is the smaller. The capacity of Craven Cottage is 19,359, down from more than 25,000 due to the closure of the Riverside Stand for redevelopment, meaning almost 5,000 fans could watch the May 23 game between Newcastle and relegation rivals Fulham.

It is not clear whether any away fans will be allowed into the stadium.

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