Boris Johnson reveals when Sunderland fans can return to the Stadium of Light in a major boost

Sunderland supporters haven’t been able to watch a game at the Stadium of Light since March, with the League One season having been curtailed following an initial suspension.

But there could be some light at the end of the tunnel, with the Prime Minister giving a tentative green light to fans returning to sporting events in the autumn.

However, he made clear that stadiums will have to reopen in a ‘COVID-secure way’, meaning some form of social distancing is likely.

"We will restart indoor performances to a live audience, subject to the success of pilots, and we will also pilot larger gatherings in venues like sport stadia, with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn.

"All of these measures should be done in a COVID-secure way.

"It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November, at the earliest, possibly in time for Christmas."

EFL clubs have been working under the assumption that when fans are allowed to return to games, it will be with a limited capacity.

League One is currently expected to begin in the early weeks of September, although some clubs are reluctant to begin the new campaign without some supporters in the ground.

However, today’s announcement represents a significant boost as clubs look ahead to the 2020/21 season and will grant an element of clarity.