Covid Scotland: Hearts, Rangers and Aberdeen FC will admit fans without vaccine passport this weekend

The vaccine passport scheme was branded a ‘massive own goal for the SNP’ after Scottish Premiership clubs announced fans no longer require proof of vaccination to attend this weekend's fixtures.

Hearts, Rangers and Aberdeen FC will admit supporters without vaccine passports this weekend (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group).

Games at Tynecastle, Pittodrie and Ibrox were initially set to be the first where only fully-vaccinated supporters could gain entry, along with exempt groups including under-18s.

Events organisers were then given a two-week grace period as details were ironed out but Hearts, Rangers and Aberdeen were all still going ahead with test events.

However, further problems with the technology surrounding certifications mean no fans will be denied entry.

READ MORE: NHS Scotland Covid status issues: App named 'instant shambles' as users 'unable to sign in' and report issues with vaccine passport day before requirement

Ahead of Saturday’s meeting between Hearts and Motherwell, the Edinburgh club said: “While the Scottish Government have confirmed the rule will not be enforced until 18 October, we are to use the grace period ‘to test, adapt and build confidence in the practical arrangements’.

“As such, tomorrow’s cinch Premiership fixture against Motherwell will see us trial the new arrangements and all supporters will be admitted to Tynecastle, regardless of whether they have proof of vaccination or not.

“The trial run will enable us to gather data and supporter feedback with a view to minimising disruption once the grace period ends on October 18.

“The scheme will be fully implemented from October 18 onwards and from that point forward, any person failing to prove their vaccine certification or exemption status will, in compliance with the law, unfortunately be refused entry.”

Aberdeen have also now totally abandoned plans for the trial ahead of Sunday’s visit of Celtic.

The Dons said in a statement released on Friday evening: “Following today’s news that there are major problems with Scotland’s Covid Vaccine App, including our own testing and feedback from fans, Aberdeen Football Club will postpone trialling the proof of vaccine scheme this weekend.

Following the news, the Scottish Conservatives have branded the vaccine passport scheme as ‘shambolic’ and a ‘disaster’, adding that is a ‘massive own goal for the SNP’.

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