The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Hopes rise over return of fans for season start
The Scottish football authorities will explore ways to get some supporters in grounds for the start of the Premiership season after a further easing of the lockdown was announced.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she hoped Scotland could move into phase three of the route out of lockdown on July 9 when further details of plans for live events are expected to be set out.
The provisional plans open the door for live events to be held outside with “physical distancing and restricted numbers” from a target date of July 23.
The Premiership season is due to kick off on August 1, handing fresh hope that clubs will have some fans present for the resumption of football.
Scottish football’s Joint Response Group welcomed the First Minister’s update and its “positive implications for football”.
Premiership clubs are waiting for approval to resume contact training but the news on grassroots action will give them huge encouragement that such a measure is imminent.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Today’s news is welcome by the JRG and I am sure everyone involved in Scottish football from professional to grassroots level.
“While we must proceed with caution and respect the government’s current public health advice, none the less the First Minister’s announcement today gives confidence that, as the virus diminishes in Scotland, we can prepare for the gradual return of fans into stadia.
Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “This is a vital step everyone in Scottish football has been waiting for – but we are not taking anything for granted.”
The SFA has promised to provide information and advice for the grassroots football community in the coming weeks.