The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Saints’ fan-tastic news for cup final
HAMPDEN: Authorities allow limited crowd for showpiece
St Johnstone will bid for a historic cup double in front of some of their own fans at Hampden after an agreement between Uefa and the Scottish FA was reached.
Saints supporters had earlier this week urged the SFA to come to an arrangement with European football’s governing body that would allow at least a small number of supporters from each side into the ground.
And yesterday, Uefa agreed to the request. It is now hoped around 3,000 supporters – 1,500 from each team – will be allowed inside Hampden to cheer their side on come May 22.
It is not yet known how tickets will be allocated to fans.
St Johnstone are aiming for a domestic cup double, having already won the Betfred Cup in February.
Jamie Beatson, editor of St Johnstone fan site We Are Perth, said: “This could be a monumental day in St Johnstone’s history and it’s terrific news that at least some of our fans will be there in person.”
There will be St Johnstone fans at the Scottish Cup final, Uefa has confirmed. European football’s governing body has informed the BBC that they have reached an agreement with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) for a limited number of supporters to attend the May 22 clash at Hampden Park.
The SFA are seeking Scottish Government approval for up to 3,000 fans to attend.
It is yet to emerge how Saints and their opponents Hibs will distribute the tickets they are allocated.
BBC Scotland journalist Kheredine Idessane posted on Twitter the comment he received from Uefa.
It read: “Uefa has been able to find a solution with the SFA to allow a limited number of spectators for the Scottish Cup Final.”
Uefa take control of the national stadium on Friday to prepare for the Euro 2020 group games to be played there.
That was thought to be an insurmountable obstacle for the SFA.
Scotland’s Covid-19 rules change next Monday – with crowds of 500 fans allowed under Level 2 regulations and potential for approval of larger gatherings.
Saints are attempting to make club history by completing a League and Scottish Cup double.
Jamie Beatson, editor of St Johnstone fansite We Are Perth, said “It’s great news that the SFA has listened to fans and got the ball rolling to allow a limited attendance at the final.
“It won’t be the same as a normal Scottish Cup final – but then what has been normal this year?
“I hope we can get at least 1,500 fans from each side into the ground to lend a bit of colour and atmosphere to the occasion.
“More than that would be great...
“This could be a monumental day in St Johnstone’s history and it’s terrific news that at least some of our fans will be there in person.”