OXFORD United want to delay the rescheduling of their home game with Swindon Town until supporters are allowed back into the Kassam Stadium, according to chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth.

The original fixture was scheduled for October 24, but was called off by the Robins following multiple cases of coronavirus in the camp.

U’s boss Karl Robinson has previously stated in his opinion the game should not be rearranged, with the points going to the home side.

The English Football League (EFL) is investigating the circumstances around the decision not to play, but that outcome is thought to be unlikely.

If United go through in the Papa John’s Trophy next week, the first available midweek date the derby could be played is December 22.

But replying to a question on BBC Radio Oxford’s fans’ forum, Tiger revealed he wants to hold off the meeting until games are no longer played behind closed doors.

He said: “In November and December we’re going to be very busy.

“This Swindon game at home we’re not going to accept the rearranged date until the fans can come to the stadium.

“We need this game with fans in the stadium, no matter when.

“If the EFL tell us it’s in December, we’re going to say no.

“If they tell us January and they are allowing fans in, we can accept that as a rearranged date.”

It is unclear when fans will be permitted to return, after pilot schemes were abandoned in September.

A petition urging a rethink was signed by almost 200,000 supporters and is due to be discussed in Westminster on Monday.

In response to the petition, the government said: “We will take the earliest opportunity to look again at getting spectators safely back into stadia but this must clearly be done carefully against the prevailing health conditions.”

The absence of ticket revenue has been a big hit for clubs, making the prize money for a run in the Emirates FA Cup – which starts for United at home to Peterborough tomorrow – extra important.

It comes at a time when the national lockdown means the club shop will have to close for a month.

That is not ideal in the run-up to Christmas, which is the busiest time of the year.

But online sales will remain open, with Tiger stressing their importance.

He said: “Right now, retail is one of the main revenue (sources).

“I’d like to ask the fans to help the club by getting some merchandise.”