OXFORD United are increasingly unlikely to play in front of fans again this season.

Spectators will not be able to return to sporting venues until at least May 17, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in the House of Commons this afternoon.

The Sky Bet League One season is set to finish on May 8, but the English Football League (EFL) has already said it hopes to welcome fans to the play-off finals on the final weekend of that month.

It means United will have to finish in the top six to leave open the possibility of playing in front of supporters again in 2020/21 - and only if the conditions for easing restrictions have been met.

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U's fans were allowed into three games at the Kassam Stadium during December, while Karl Robinson's side were also watched by 2,000 people at Plymouth Argyle later that month.

The road map outlines how indoor events will be capped at 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is lower, with the same thinking applied to outdoor events, which will be 50 per cent capacity or 4,000 spectators.

It includes special provision for large, outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of total seated capacity, whichever is smaller.

Pilots will also run from April to examine how such events can take place without the need for social distancing using other mitigations such as testing, the government said.

The Prime Minister said there would be a minimum five-week gap between each of the four steps, with restrictions eased on a nationwide, rather than a regional, basis.

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In the second part of step one – not before March 29 – organised outdoor sports for children and adults can return, and outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts can reopen.

United head coach Robinson said: "Sport at weekends was part of what you looked forward to when you walked out of school on a Friday at 3.30pm.

"It’s a big role in young people’s lives and having that back sooner rather than later is a tremendous step forward.

"I have a 14-year-old daughter who constantly asks me when we can play football again.

"I’m sure that will resonate with every parent.

"Being able to watch them play and seeing them in their comfort zone is something we’ve all missed."

At step two, which would be from April 12 at the earliest, use of indoor leisure facilities such as gyms for individuals or household groups will be possible.

All children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity in step two, including sport, regardless of circumstance, the government’s road map documents said.

Alongside the partial reopening of sports venues at step three, organised indoor adult sport will be possible.