Pilot games given the green light in Scotland

ABERDEEN and Ross County yesterday received the all clear from the Scottish Government to stage coronavirus test events on Saturday and will be allowed to welcome back 300 home supporters to each match.

Holyrood gave Aberdeen, who will host Premiership rivals Kilmarnock at Pittodrie, and Ross County, who will take on champions Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium, the go- ahead to host pilot matches after receiving detailed operational plans for the safe entry and exit of fans.

They will be the first football games in Scotland to host spectators since Rangers played Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League at Ibrox back on March 12.

The move comes after a Guinness Pro 14 match between Edinburgh and Glasgow at BT Murrayfield at the end of last month went ahead in front of a crowd of around 700 supporters.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster hailed the development as “a significant step forward for Scottish football”.

“We are pleased to have received confirmation of pilot events at two Scottish Premiership fixtures on September 12,” he said. “I would like to thank the respective home clubs – and indeed all 12 Premiership clubs – for the comprehensive Return to Supporting plans.

“We look forward to building on the successful all- sport supporter pilot at BT Murrayfield and I know that clubs take the responsibility for the safe return of supporters seriously. This is another significant step forward for Scottish football and I reiterate the importance of fans to our national game.

“The Joint Response Group will continue to liaise with all clubs, and especially the home clubs, in the coming week to ensure all protocols and guidance are adhered to and that fans can look forward to a phased return to supporting their respective teams.”