SCOTT BROWN has backed Celtic’s attempts to canvas the Scottish Government into allowing the safe return of spectators to stadiums. The Celtic captain emphasised that the return of supporters needs to be done in the safest possible manner but regardless of whether there are supporters, Celtic need to win each week.
As reported by the Daily Record, Brown is desperate to have fans back especially after a small amount of fans were able to take in the Lyon match yesterday – with the same scenario on Tuesday versus PSG in Paris.
“It will be good to be playing in front of fans again, even if the numbers are reduced. I don’t expect them to be there for the first game of our season. It would be great if they could be there for flag day but the most important thing is getting through this safely as possible.
“The club are pushing for it as well and hopefully they’ll be back in as soon as possible. Maybe these matches will show it can be done and the Scottish authorities will be watching.
“We have to win each week whether it’s in front of no fans or 60,000. We will need to do it the hard way but we’ll look forward to getting them back as we’ve certainly missed them.”
The statement from Celtic on Friday was composed but strong, pointing out the financial and social benefits of supporters returning to the grounds. However, Professor Leitch, the Scottish Government’s Clinical Director told BBC’s Off the Ball that the Government were yet to set a date – instead saying that the Government would hold off a decision until the had more data on the impact of reopening pubs and restaurants.
“We’ve not set a date. We’re very hopeful that in the autumn sometime we will be able to run some test events and then get crowds back.
“We want to do that. And if the numbers [of infections]stay the way they are, that’s the best way of getting to there.
“If the pubs opening doesn’t give us big numbers, then crowds are much more likely than less likely.”
Supporters will need to wait for a while before it is clearer as to when a capacity crowd can be achieved. The Scottish Government should be pragmatic and plan for the future, instead of awaiting the outcome of the reopening of pubs and restaurants. The public can enjoy a meal out and an evening in the pub but cannot socially distance outdoors at a football match.
