THE GREAT CROWD SHUTDOWN

Ban on iconic British fixtures begins to bite as normal life suspended

MAJOR sporting fixtures and other large events were cancelled across Scotland yesterday as the coronavirus crisis deepened.

In came as Scotland’s Six Nations clash against Wales in Cardiff was called off despite thousands of Scots having already made the trip south.

The entire Scottish football season was suspended, including tomorrow’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox. The Scottish FA said it had made the decision in the interests of the health and safety of players, officials, staff, fans and the general public.

Boris Johnson is set to ban all mass gatherings and sports events from next weekend as the coronavirus toll continues to mount. It follows Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that gatherings of 500 people or more would be cancelled in Scotland from Monday.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend, due to be held at the end of May in Dundee, was scrapped. In a statement, the station said: ‘It is important that we prioritise the health and safety of all those involved.’

The Aye Write book festival in Glasgow was also cancelled, and landmark events such as Glastonbury and Wimbledon are also in doubt.

The Grand National and Royal Ascot could also be hit, and the London Marathon was postponed until October.

And the 2020 Masters golf

‘Burden on public services’

tournament, due to begin on April 9 at Augusta National in Georgia, was scrapped.

In England, all football was suspended until next month.

The SFA followed suit, with chief executive Ian Maxwell saying: ‘Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials and staff.’

The Prime Minister’s U-turn followed mounting criticism from public health experts and some former cabinet members that Britain was not doing enough to keep people safe.

Jeremy Hunt and Rory Stewart called on him to follow other European countries which have taken much tougher action to restrict people’s movement.

Only yesterday, the UK’s chief scientific adviser said the chances of contracting coronavris at a large event were less than a visit to the pub. But last night, things had changed. A Whitehall source said: ‘Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public event, including mass gatherings, beginning next week. We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence.

‘For example, we are concerned about the burden large events put on public services – including the health service and the police – from dealing with coronavirus.

‘Officials are working with industry bodies to identify how to support businesses that will be affected by this decision.’