CELTIC have released a statement this evening demanding that the Scottish Government consider implementing the return of supporters to stadiums. Earlier today, Boris Johnson said that there will be test events to begin a staged return towards normality in October.
Now, Peter Lawwell has outlined Celtic’s commitment to the safe imminent return to stadiums but hopes that the Scottish Government are as committed to holding test events in the next month. In a statement, the club have stated that they believe that Celtic Park has the capability to safely host supporters by next month. The statement also outlined the economic and social benefits that football brings, pleading for the safe return of the nation’s game.
“We have discussed the idea of ‘pilot’ games with the Scottish Government and believe it provides a safe, sensible way forward. As a club, we have put enormous thought and effort into making Celtic Park fully compliant with all public health-related requirements while allowing our supporters to return to watching football.
“It is acknowledged that Scottish football has been exemplary in implementing all the safeguards required of it, first to get back into training and, from August 1st, to playing competitive SPFL matches.
“We are convinced that this should now be accompanied by a phased return of spectators which would be good, not only for the game of football but also for public health and morale in Scotland more generally.
“Scottish clubs are much more dependent on matchday revenues than other, larger leagues. That factor should be taken account of, so long as the public health obligations are met, to which we are entirely committed.
“We also have an obligation to our own supporters to make the case for them to be allowed to watch live football, particularly when they can see the steady progress towards this in other European leagues.
“Alongside other sporting bodies, Celtic will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government and look forward to early progress.”
The season will begin behind closed doors but Celtic are hopeful that there will be supporters in the stadium next month at some stage, between 1000 and potentially as many as 30000.
The opening Celtic versus Rangers game has been scheduled on October 17, allowing the club to potentially have a full house to take in the fixture. Supporters are due to get information about their virtual season ticket in the coming days; however, nothing will remotely compare to the real thing and this news will be a huge boost if the Scottish Government agree to the test matches prior to the return of a capacity audience.
