This is what the government roadmap means for Sunderland fans returning to the Stadium of Light

The roadmap, published this afternoon, also raises hopes of the Stadium of Light being able to operate near full capacity from the start of next season.

The government guidelines say that fans will not be able to return to grounds until May 17th at the earliest.

Should approval be granted at that stage, capacity will be capped at 10,000 in grounds with a capacity of over 40,000, and at 25% in all other venues.

Sunderland’s regular campaign is scheduled to finish at home to Northampton Town on May 8th.

Dates for play-off semi final fixtures have yet to be confirmed but the final is scheduled for Wembley on the bank holiday weekend of May 29-31st.

Crucially, all lockdown rules are currently scheduled to be reviewed from June 21st.

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