Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Hampden cleared to host crowds of 12,000 for Euro 2020 games
THE SFA has submitted plans to Uefa for 12,000 fans to attend four European Championship matches at Hampden Park this summer.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, European football’s governing body had asked for the 12 host cities – including Glasgow, Dublin and London – for their proposals on how many supporters they expect to be able to host by yesterday.
There is no date set for fans to return in Scotland but the SFA, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, put together a proposal that will allow the national stadium to be at 25% capacity for three group games and a knockout match.
A statement from the SFA and Glasgow Life read: “The Scottish FA and Glasgow Life (on behalf of Glasgow City Council) have been working on a range of planning scenarios for hosting the four Uefa Euro 2020 matches in Glasgow in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, both in terms of allowing spectators in the stadium and the creation of a Fan Zone in the city for the duration of the tournament.
“Following extensive consultation with the Scottish Government and public health advisers, the Local Organising Structure can confirm that it has submitted details of its preferred option for admitting spectators to the stadium to meet today’s Uefa deadline.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has given approval to allow spectators up to 25% of the stadium capacity (approximately 12,000 – based on the Uefa Euro 2020 venue overlay and seating configuration) for each of the four games to be staged at Hampden Park.
“Naturally, this will be subject to continued progress with reducing the prevalence of the virus and the rollout of the vaccination programme.
“A decision on the Fan Zone in the city will be made at the end of April.
“Uefa will be in contact with all ticket holders on Friday advising them on the latest tournament arrangements including ticketing and travel information.”
Scotland will play the Czech Republic on June 14 and Croatia on June 22, both at the national stadium, with a trip to play England at Wembley in between and a last16 game takes place at Hampden Park on June 29.
Dublin, meanwhile, has three Group E games, involving Poland, Slovakia and Sweden, as well one of the ties in the knock-out stage.
The deadline submissions is April 7.
There is some uncertainty, though, as to whether the Aviva Stadium will be in a position to welcome supporters due to travel restrictions and limits on mass gatherings.
An Irish Government spokesman said assurances on minimum spectator levels could not be currently provided given the state of the pandemic.
The Italian Football Federation, however, said it had been told by the government that Rome’s Stadio Olimpico would be able to welcome spectators for Euro 2020.
Elsewhere, at least 11,000 supporters are expected to be able to attend the four Euro 2020 games in the Danish capital Copenhagen. There could also be up to 50% capacity at matches in St Petersburg where Russia will play.
for