Hibs to offer fans 'unique matchday experience' as club confirms season ticket holders will be able to watch all home games online

Fans are very unlikely to return to Easter Road for the start of the Premiership season.

Hibs season ticket holders for the 2020/21 campaign will be able to watch all home matches online if social distancing rules force the matches to be played behind closed doors.

The next Ladbrokes Premiership campaign is due to start on August 1 – and the games are widely expected to be played without fans in the stadium due to coronavirus restrictions.

A deal between the Scottish Professional Football League and its principal broadcaster Sky Sports earlier in the week opened the door for top-flight clubs to broadcast matches live to their fans and Hibs have now confirmed that every season ticket holder will get online access to matches at Easter Road.

A statement on the club's website read: “Hibernian FC welcome the announcement of a framework agreed between the SPFL and Sky which should see the top-flight of Scottish football resume in August.

“With football facing a ‘behind closed doors’ start to the season, the new proposals mean those who have already purchased season tickets for season 2020/21 now know they are guaranteed to see all home matches live until entry to games returns.

“While social distancing prevents access to stadiums in the initial stages of the season, clubs can now create bespoke digital platforms to show the games live to those who have bought their season ticket.

“Hibernian will announce the details of their package in the near future, designed to give our season ticket holders the best possible value and a unique, exciting and enjoyable Hibernian matchday experience.

“The club remains deeply grateful to the 8,000-plus fans who have already demonstrated their desire to support the club through purchasing season tickets. We also realise these are challenging times, and not every fan is able to commit right now. For that reason, the club has announced an extension of the Seat Release date until July 3rd and an eight-month finance option, on which the club will pay the interest. These offers will close at 5pm, 3 July.”

Also speaking on the club’s website, chief executive Leeann Dempster said: “While we all want to see football return in all its excitement with fans in the stadiums, that is simply not possible at the moment and this offers an excellent way forward in getting our game back.

“We are grateful for the hard work done by the SPFL and for the support shown by Sky. We’re now working up an offering that we believe supporters will get behind, knowing that their backing has never been more needed or more appreciated.

"This is a challenging time for everyone, and we know that times are uncertain for a lot of fans. If you can commit, please do. Most important, please make sure you and your families stay safe and healthy.”