CROWDS BACK ... AT A PRICE
Supporters return, but spot checks will increase
full numbers. SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: ‘Today’s announcement is a sensible decision that will be welcomed by clubs and hundreds of thousands of fans across the country.
‘Football is not the same without supporters, and I know how much it will mean to them to be back in stadiums watching matches again.
‘This news will also be a real financial boost for our 42 member clubs, who have faced an incredibly challenging set of circumstances since the pandemic began.
‘Clubs will continue to play their part to keep fans and players safe and I would like to thank them for their efforts in following the most recent restrictions at such short notice.
‘Everyone in Scottish football can now look forward to some cracking matches and a really competitive second half to the season.’
Celtic also welcomed the news and vowed to keep fans in the loop over new
Clubs will continue to play their part in keeping fans and players safe
certification rules before the game with Hibs on Monday.
Captain Callum McGregor said: ‘It’s great to get the supporters in, to get full houses and get them backing the team, singing, and enjoying the football.
‘We’re all together, we’re all as one and when the place is rocking, we’re rocking, so we’re delighted they’ll get back in supporting the team and we’ll give everything for them as well.’
Announcing the news in a statement to the Scottish Parliament yesterday afternoon, the First Minister said: ‘I can confirm today that the attendance limit of 500 at large-scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, January 17.
‘That means, for example, that spectators will be permitted again at large outdoor sporting events including football fixtures scheduled for early next week and the forthcoming Six Nations rugby matches.
‘The Covid certification scheme will remain in place for these and other events and venues previously covered, with two important changes.
‘Our guidance will now stipulate that organisers of large events of 1,000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50 per cent of attendees rather than the current 20 per cent — or at least 1,000 people, whichever figure is highest.
‘Second, from Monday, the requirement to be fully vaccinated for the purposes of Covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago.
‘It will still be possible to gain admission to events and venues covered by the certification scheme by providing proof of a recent negative lateral flow test.’
The Joint Response Group were informed of the return of fans yesterday morning.
While some clubs are furious over the new requirement to spot check half of the fans attending games, SFA president Rod Petrie insisted Scottish football will do its bit to preserve public safety in the face of the Omicron spread.
‘Today’s announcement is welcome news for football fans across Scotland,’ said Petrie. ‘The First Minister described the new guidance as the country “turning a corner” in the fight to overcome Covid-19 and, in particular, the Omicron wave that necessitated the latest restrictions.
‘In that regard, I would like to thank clubs for playing their part during the most recent restrictions and I am certain, as a sport, we will continue to demonstrate best practice in ensuring the safety of players, staff, spectators, match officials and everyone involved in the matchday experience.’
Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass also savoured the return of fans ahead of Tuesday’s AberdeenRangers match at Pittodrie.
He told Sky Sports: ‘I think it’s brilliant. There was big disappointment when the news came out originally.
‘I think you will see as big an uplift when people are allowed back in, especially for a game like this.
‘I was actually happy when the game got cancelled because of the amount of fans that were going to be in. You will see probably a spectacle that the game deserves with the amount of people that will be in the stadium.
‘Does this justify having the earlier winter break? Yes, I think so.
‘It’s important that we try and engage as many of the people who come to watch us — the fans who are coming in, the supporters that are back — to keep coming back.
‘It’s a big opportunity for us and it’s one that I’m hoping we will take.’
The news has come at the perfect time for rugby, too, with Scotland’s Six Nations opener against England at BT Murrayfield looming large on February 5 when a capacity 67,000 crowd is expected.
Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors also welcomed the announcement, having played in front of restricted numbers in last weekend’s home matches.
Seating attendances remain restricted to 200 at indoor events, which include sports such as ice hockey and basketball, but the First Minister said an update is likely next week.