OXFORD United supporters have responded emphatically to the club’s season ticket appeal over refunds.

Chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth asked on Wednesday for fans to consider waiving their right to reclaim a portion of their investment.

Reimbursements will be available within the next few days to cover the five home games lost to the coronavirus lockdown.

With the match against Bury also being cancelled due to the Shakers’ expulsion from Sky Bet League One at the start of the campaign, more than a quarter of the fixtures covered by season tickets never took place.

But with the U’s, like all clubs, counting the cost from the pandemic – which is expected to continue into 2020/21 – they asked fans to forego the refund if they could afford it.

And in a poll on the Oxford Mail website, the answer was clear.

Out of more than 500 votes cast, 85 per cent said they were planning to allow the club to keep the money.

It is an overwhelming show of support, at a time when many people have concerns over their own job security.

Paul Peros, chairman of OxVox, the club’s independent supporters’ trust, said: “I completely understand some people are in a very difficult position and that money will make a difference.

“I’m very lucky to be in a position where I don’t have to ask for it back.

“I have had more than a season’s worth of entertainment, so I’m really happy with the value of money I’ve got.

“We have questioned the board at times, but they have systematically improved the club and have now had something which was taken out of their hands through no fault of their own.

“This is our chance to help them out.

“I think the (poll) figure speaks volumes about the Oxford fans and their appreciation for the way this season has gone.

“It’s really pleasing to see the reaction.”

Tiger added: “We have amazing fans and that’s really reassuring.

“We hope season tickets will go on sale from next week and all the details will be available then.”

Elsewhere, United’s play-off semi-final opponents Portsmouth have reported two players have tested positive for coronavirus.

They will have to isolate for a week before resuming training.