Footy’s back at last (and some fans grab a bird’s eye view...)
LIVE football kicked off again in Scotland yesterday after an absence of almost five months – but without the roar of fans.
After a complete absence of competitive sport during lockdown, four games were played yesterday to officially launch the Scottish Premiership season.
The matches in Aberdeen, Dundee, Paisley and Edinburgh all took place without fans in the stadiums.
However, two Aberdeen fans won plaudits on social media after they used a cherry picker to watch their team play Rangers.
While some supporters chose to watch the games in pubs, virus restrictions made this a far quieter experience.
Social distancing means numbers are limited in many bars – and in a bid to stop people having to shout and risk spreading infection, loud noise is banned, meaning pubs had to screen matches silently.
Irene Walker, manager of the Rosevale Tavern in Partick, Glasgow, admitted it was going to be very different and strange for her customers.
She said: ‘We have had to limit the number of people in the bar to 60.
‘They will not be allowed to stand and watch the game – they must be seated at all times. It’s going to take a bit of getting used to.’ Football fan Douglas Sutherland said he was bemused by the lack of atmosphere in his local, adding: ‘It is definitely different and I don’t honestly think it is helpful having no sound.
‘Sports events need noise but it is better than nothing.’
His friend Stewart Walker said: ‘I will be glad when we can get back into the grounds – this just isn’t right. It must be equally strange for the players.’
Joe Lilley, manager of The Drake in Glasgow’s West End, organised for customers to watch the matches on a television in the beer garden.
He said: ‘It is going to be strange at first but I am sure people will quickly adapt.
‘We just have to do what is best for the safety of our customers.’
However, Paul Watterson of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said some pubs would not be showing live football matches because of Scottish Government rules and regulations.
He said: ‘It is difficult when it comes to showing football because traditionally people gather together and watch the game. There is a crowd-like mentality and obviously this cannot happen now. No noise is going to take a bit of getting used to as well.’
Football was suspended in Scotland on March 13 after the UK and Scottish Governments both introduced restrictions on events attended by more than 500 people.
A decision was taken last month to start the new season behind closed doors.
It is planned that some fans may be allowed into grounds next month if restrictions are relaxed.
Dr Paul McCarthy, a sports psychologist based in Glasgow, said the footballers themselves will find it difficult in an empty stadium. He said: ‘The lack of atmosphere will be extremely challenging for some players to adapt to. They are used to noise and shouting.
‘Some may enjoy it as they will not have the same fans’ expectancy on them. They will be able to relax knowing they are not going to be shouted at. This could prove to be a good leveller for many.’
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said supporters had a ‘pivotal role’ in ensuring the league season was not affected by further coronavirus-related disruption.
He said: ‘Potential second waves of coronavirus are a real danger, so we all simply must protect the integrity of the league by being responsible.’