Date set for fans to return in pilot events

Scottish football fans were given concrete news of a return to stadiums as rugby supporters gathered at BT Murrayfield to watch Edinburgh take on Glasgow last night.

Provisional plans have been drawn up for three Premiership games to host fans in pilot events on September 12, two days before the indicative date for spectators to be allowed to return to sports stadiums in limited numbers.

About 700 Edinburgh fans were granted access to Murrayfield for the Guinness PRO14 encounter, the first sports event to be played in front of a crowd in Scotland since lockdown in mid-march.

The Scottish government had turned down Celtic’s request to host a small crowd when Motherwell visit Parkhead on Sunday, stressing that the rugby test event could help provide lessons that would help football.

But the football authorities’ joint response group announced that sports minister Joe Fitzpatrick had confirmed that up to three pilot events could take place on September 12.

A statement added: “If successful, this would be part of a phased return of supporters to football stadia with incrementally increased numbers in the weeks following the initial pilot event date.

“The JRG will be liaising with Premiership clubs and the Scottish government over the next week to finalise details.”

September 12 sees Rangers host Dundee United while Celtic visit Dingwall to take on Ross County.

Aberdeen host Kilmarnock, St Johnstone are at Motherwell, Livingston take on Hamilton in West Lothian and St Mirren face Hibs in Paisley. Only home fans are expected to be admitted.

SFA president Rod Petrie said: “This is a welcome and positive development for Scottish football, as the national sport, to build on the sporting pilot taking place at BT Murrayfield this evening.”