FANS may be allowed to return to stadiums by mid-May as part of the government’s new roadmap.

At step 3 of the four-step plan to lift lockdown restrictions, up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of a 40,000 capacity, whichever is smaller, will be allowed at sporting events in large, seated, outdoor venues from May 17, at the earliest.

For York City Knights, given the size of the LNER Community Stadium, up to 4,000 fans will be able to attend their Betfred Championship tie against Oldham on the weekend of May 22/23.

Elsewhere in the Championship, clubs will have a capped crowd of 50 per cent of their total capacity.

Also at this step, ‘controlled indoor events’ can have crowds of up to 1,000 people (or a 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower).

Elsewhere, outdoor sports will be allowed to resume in England from March 29.

The plans, announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) in the House of Commons, are subject to four tests on vaccines, infections rates and new coronavirus variants.