SUPPORTERS have been given fresh hope that the return to stadiums will take place in the near future after the Scottish Government gave the green light to test matches being played in order to determine the sustainability of social distancing in grounds around the country.
BBC’s Chris McLaughlin updated fans as Nicola Sturgeon announced today that the nation would be moving into Phase 3 of the roadmap to exit lockdown. McLaughlin took to his Twitter account to conform that the Government had plans to allow test events in order to prepare for the staggered return to stadiums for supporters.
Breaking: Scottish Government to give go ahead for limited fans inside stadia within weeks. Green light for test events but unlikely football season to start with fans. Comes a week after government advisors said unlikely fans back before October. Subject to social distancing pic.twitter.com/Vix81YFPqK
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) July 9, 2020
The BBC man then updated supporters saying that the test events are part of the plan to get supporters back with the Government and footballing authorities believing that it will be sooner than initially expected.
Definitely no fans back for start of the new SPFL Premiership season but those within the game have been told if things progress, fans could be back sooner than expected. Test events definitely part of that process. All dependent on no resurgence of the virus.
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) July 9, 2020
Celtic play Rangers on Matchday 11 and there is hope that the Scottish Champions will be able to welcome all 50,000 season ticket holders to the Glasgow Derby match. Social distancing measures are expected to stay in place but if the virus is suppressed, they may be able to be relaxed. Up to 15 people can meet outside now and the plans appear to point towards a slow, steady return to normality.
Respected Celtic podcast the Celtic Underground suggested that the trial match could take place on the July 25 with 1000 spectators in attendance.
Keep 25th July free in your diary. Well 1000 of you anyway.
— Celtic Underground* (@celticrumours) July 9, 2020
Supporters eagerly await news after signing up en mass to back the Hoops ahead of the 10IAR season. The Celtic Star told you last week that the numbers were approaching 50,000 and that has been all but confirmed today with the club statement thanking the amazing support for renewing.
