This is when Middlesbrough fans could be allowed to return to the Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough fans haven’t been able to watch a game at the Riverside Stadium since March due to the coronavirus outbreak, with recent fixtures being played behind closed doors.

Yet the current plans being implemented by the government could mean supporters are allowed to attend sporting events later this year.

However, Johnson did make it clear 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,” said Johnson.

"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 fans will be allowed to attend games next season, albeit with a limited capacity.

It remains unclear when the 2020/21 season will begin with the current Championship campaign set to end on Wednesday, July 22 when Boro travel to Sheffield Wednesday.

Restart dates of August 29 and September 12 have been discussed by the EFL, a month later than initially planned.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.