FANS MAY BE BACK IN AUGUST
FOOTBALL fans could be back inside grounds next month after the Scottish government announced a new timetable to get out of lockdown.
Cash-strapped clubs were given a major shot in the arm yesterday when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed that live events with crowds could return after July 31.
Record Sport understands a number of top-flight clubs are now hoping to TURn To Page 56
stage test events with limited numbers of supporters and strict social distancing protocol once the new campaign is up and running.
Celtic have already thrashed out advanced plans to allow fans back into Parkhead for a preseason friendly on July 25 but it remains to be seen if that will get the green light from health experts,
Clubs had reacted angrily after the FM and national clinical director Jason Leitch suggested all stadia might have to remain closed to the public until November .
Yesterday’s relaxing of the pandemic restrictions appears to have thrown the game a cash lifeline.
As we revealed yesterday 10 of the top 12 are already gearing up to return to action this weekend with five friendly games arranged over the next two days, kicking off with a closed door clash between Rangers and Hamilton at the Ibrox club’s Auchenhowie training complex later today.
Tomorrow, Aberdeen hope to host Ross County, Motherwell will take on Dundee United, Hibs are scheduled to meet St Mirren and Kilmarnock will face Livingston.
Although the lockdown was being relaxed, the clubs were still awaiting permission from Holyrood to get the games on.