Tranmere Rovers formally request the Papa John's Trophy final with Sunderland is pushed back after government announcement over fans

Sunderland are set to face the League Two side at Wembley on Sunday, March 14 as part of an ‘EFL Weekender’ – which will see the postponed 2020 final between Portsmouth and Salford City played the day before.

But Tranmere are keen to see the fixture pushed back after today’s government announcement that fans could return to sporting venues from May 17.

The government’s roadmap out of lockdown says that venues can welcome in up to 10,000 fans from the third week in May, provided certain data thresholds have been met.

And with that in mind, Tranmere have today made a formal request that the date of the final be moved – after they last week mooted the idea to the EFL.

Posting on Twitter, Palios said: “Would be fantastic if the Papa John’s Trophy final could be pushed back to allow fans in too ... we asked informally last week and have formalised the request today. Govt are saying 10,000 allowed in Wembley from 17th May.”

Sunderland look set to see no fans in their League One fixtures for the remainder of the regular campaign, which 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 – meaning fans could potentially attend.

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

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor