SPFL boss keen to see return of supporters

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster remains determined to get fans back at Scottish football matches as soon as it is safe to do so.

Scottish Premiership sides got the all clear to start training on June 11 after the SPFL and SFA’s joint response group met sports minister Joe Fitzpatrick and national clinical director Jason Leitch.

Top flight teams aim to start the Scottish Premiership season on August 1 with games at first behind closed doors.

SPFL chief executive Doncaster and his SFA counterpart Ian Maxwell presented the response group’s Return to Football strategy, based on three steps: a return to training, a return to playing and a return to supporting.

Doncaster said the Scottish Government’s approval means Premiership clubs can begin preparations to ensure their training grounds and stadia can handle increased safety measures that create biosecure environments for players and staff, including the ability to hold the necessary testing and observing stringent training and matchday protocols.

Doncaster said: “We clearly welcome the prospect of resuming matches, but we have to take all necessary steps to ensure we can have a sustainable league campaign. That means a safety-first approach, with games initially played behind closed doors and a range of measures to protect players and staff.

“The return of crowds is something we all want to see and we will be working with clubs, government and medical professionals to return safely to playing in front of fans as soon as we can.”

Neil Doncaster