Return of fans a step closer
● Celtic welcome September target date ● Premiership clubs agree five-sub rule
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has welcomed the Scottish government’s announcement that fans could be allowed back into stadiums from 14 September.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed that test events, including Scotland’s Nations League match against Israel at Hampden on 4 September, may go ahead before the general reopening of sports venues.
While the number of spectators will be limited initially by social distancing, it is a significant step for Premiership clubs, whose finances are heavily reliant on gate money.
Celtic have been proactive in pressing for football “not to be left behind” as lockdown measures are gradually relaxed amid the pandemic.
The Parkhead side, who open the defence of their title against Hamilton Accies behind closed doors at Celtic Park on Sunday, could welcome fans back into the ground for the first time against Livingston on 19 September.
“Celtic are delighted with this positive development and are very appreciative that the government has taken this important step,” said Lawwell, pictured. “We would like to thank the Scottish government, the SFA/SPFL Joint Response Group and everyone at the club who have collaborated and worked so hard over these past few difficult months.
“It is our intention to get as many supporters as we can back into Celtic Park as soon as we can, within the guidance. however, the safety and security of our supporters is always our top priority, and we will communicate more on this as soon as possible.”
The first minister stressed that the date was indicative and subject to change but sounded an optimistic note. She said: “We hope that sports stadia will be able to reopen from that day [14 September] for limited numbers of spectators, with physical distancing in place. Some professional sports events may be arranged for spectators before then with Scottish government agreement to test the safety of any new arrangements.”
Premiership clubs, meanwhile, have approved the use of five substitutes in the top flight for the new campaign.
Teams will be able to name up to nine players on the bench and use five of them but play will only be allowed to be stopped three times. It is a temporary rule change for 202021, designed to help players cope with a more demanding fixture schedule.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “As excitement builds ahead of the return to competitive action this weekend, I am pleased that the Premiership clubs have approved this resolution which was recommended by the board. Player welfare was at the forefront of our decision to recommend this change and it is vital that we recognise the additional strain being placed on players as we embark on the 2020-21 season.
“We are preparing similar resolutions for the Scottish Championship, League 1 and League 2 and these will be distributed to the clubs in those divisions in due course.”