What Nicola Sturgeon had to say on return of Scottish football fans to stadiums

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has spoken on football crowds. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen got their fans’ hopes up as they announced plans for a partial crowd at Pittodrie in the hope they may be welcoming back supporters for the start of the 2020/21 season.

The Dons have implemented a 7,500 capacity with 6,700 season tickets already sold.

In addition, Celtic chief Peter Lawwell has recently stated his desire to have fans back at Parkhead next month.

However, Nicola Sturgeon has admitted there is no date set for fans being able to return to grounds.

The First Minister addressed the issue at a media briefing following comments made by professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s national clinical director.

He had suggested that “perhaps October” after predicting it wouldn't be soon and it would be phased when it does happen.

Sturgeon told the media: “Football with crowds has not been pencilled in for October. We haven’t taken that decision yet. Jason was simply trying to find a way of saying, ‘Don’t assume it will be October when we get crowds back’.

“So do not take from this that we have given football an October provisional date for crowds being back. That’s not the case and actually I don’t think it’s a fair interpretation of what Jason actually said.”