Leitch urges caution over a hasty return of fans to stadiums
National Clinical Director Jason Leitch has dealt a blow to Celtic’s push to get fans into matches.
Peter Lawwell, the Hoops’ chief executive, wants to see a phased return of supporters at games.
Following Prime Minister Boris Johnston’s talk of the possibility of packed grounds in England in October, Lawwell made an impassioned plea on Friday for Scottish football not be left trailing behind.
The Premiership season is due to kick off behind closed doors on Saturday week, with Celtic hosting Rangers in the first Old Firm derby on October 17.
That’s a fixture they – and broadcasters – would much prefer played in front of a full crowd.
But Professor Jason Leitch was insistent no date had been set yet.
And while conceding test events could take place “in the autumn some time”, he made it clear any return would depend on whether there is any spike in coronavirus cases following the reopening of pubs.
“The Prime Minister yesterday announced the next phase of the route map in England,” said Leitch.
“He said there were quite a lot of things they were hoping to do in October. One of those was live crowds at events. He never specifically set a date or number.
“It is broad, and allows quite a lot of room for manoeuvre between the middle of July and beginning of October. “We’ve not set a date. “We’re very hopeful that in the autumn sometime, we will be able to run some test events and then get crowds back.
“We want to do that. And if the numbers of coronavirus cases stay the way they are, that’s the best way of getting to there.
“If the pubs opening doesn’t give us big numbers, then crowds are much more likely than less likely.”
Leitch, speaking to the BBC, was more upbeat about the return of action behind closed doors in the country.
He said that “everything is pointing in a good direction” for the top flight to begin as scheduled on August 1.
Only one top-flight player has tested positive for coronavirus in the near-2,000 tests which have been conducted.
The Clinical Director believes when the professional game returns, it must show the way to amateur sides, with proper precautions to prevent any possible transmission of the virus.
Quizzed as to whether players should be cautioned for spitting, he replied, “I’m not sure I’d punish them – but I’d certainly give them a stiff talking to before they went on.
“There are two things here. There is the safety of the 23 people who are on the grass, which is crucial.
“No big goal celebrations, we don’t want big huddles, people falling on the floor.”
Meanwhile, Peter Lawwell is set to be voted onto the SPFL board at tomorrow’s AGM.
The Celtic chief executive will replace Rangers managing director, Stewart Robertson, who is standing down.
Hearts and Partick Thistle’s arbitration case against the league body is also due to begin tomorrow.