How frustrating, that's potentially a lot of money that the club have missed out on and an extra 2000 people would make a big difference to the atmosphere. And I can't remember the last time I was at at a game at Fratton Park when there were 20k. Possibly Tottenham at home in 2009. It also means the attendance against Southampton can't be beaten. And why anyone would willingly choose to sit in North Upper, I have no idea.
Probably when Hull City were in it in 2002 / 03. Over 22k versus Hartlepool, 21k versus Swansea for a midweek clash with 200 away fans only. There are several more and I could go on...the media outlets reporting it as a record are ****ing clueless. Good luck for the rest of the season.