Weekend SPFL games go ahead

Scottish football authorities will decide on their response to measures to curtail mass gatherings following talks with the Scottish Government.

Nicola Sturgeon announced that large gatherings of more than 500 people that require police or paramedics, or could impact on the health service, would be cancelled from Monday.

The first minister added that officials would provide more detailed advice on which events it applied to before the start of next week.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This is not a move that we are making because the science has told us it will have a significant impact on the spread of the virus – on the contrary, the scientists tell us that it will not have a significant impact.”

The daily talks of the joint response group set up by the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League will continue before major decisions are made.

In a statement, SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and SPFL counterpart Neil Doncaster said: “Following the first minister’s comments regarding plans to restrict public gatherings from next week, we will enter discussions with the Scottish Government to understand the full detail of their plans and the implications for clubs and national sides.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all SPFL games scheduled for this weekend will be proceeding as planned.

“Once we are in possession of a definitive action plan from the Scottish Government, we will communicate contingency plans as quickly and as accurately as possible to all our stakeholders.”

Some football matches, even in Scotland’s top flight, are played without a police presence and have private ambulance cover.

A 50,000 crowd gathered at Ibrox last night as Rangers played Bayer Leverkusen but there is no guarantee the Europa League last-16 return leg will take place next week even after the Germans announced a closed-doors policy.

Uefa will hold talks with all member associations on Tuesday to discuss the way forward for all of its competitions including the European Championship.

Scotland’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel was due to take place in front of a sell-out Hampden crowd on March 26. But it might not even be played behind closed doors and there is uncertainty over whether the tournament will be held this summer, especially given there are 12 venues including Glasgow.

Big decisions now will come from football authorities with games possibly played behind closed doors or the season suspended.

Celtic captain Scott Brown claimed if the season ended prematurely “it stays as it is” with his side 13 points clear, and the SPFL will be sure to do everything possible to ensure the campaign comes to a natural conclusion.

Aberdeen manager Derek Mcinnes said: “I would prefer the fixtures to be played and I think the supporters would. But we are here for the supporters, they have paid their money and they want to see the team play. There are a lot of meaningful fixtures and a lot to be decided over the next wee while.”