PROFESSOR JASON LEITCH has responded to the calls from Peter Lawwell to begin planning the safe return of supporters to stadiums. The Celtic Chief Executive released a statement yesterday requesting that the Scottish Government follow the UK Government’s lead and begin planning for the safe return of spectators.
The national clinical director of Scotland spoke to BBC’s Off the Ball about the prospect of supporters returning by October; however, the Professor was hesitant to give any answer.
“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.
The statement from Celtic last night was composed but strong, pointing out the financial and social benefits of supporters returning to the grounds.
