Blow for Scottish football as fans return DELAYED - no SPFL postponement

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed new Covid-19 restrictions
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A return to the stadium for supporters has been delayed but there will not be a postponement to the football season.

The Scottish Government have announced new restrictions following an increase in Covid-19 cases with the R number well above 1.

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One such move is to push back the indicative date for spectators being allowed into stadiums which was set out in the routemap out of lockdown for 5 October, having already been switched from 14 September.

Fans are unlikely to be back in grounds anytime soon. Picture: SNSFans are unlikely to be back in grounds anytime soon. Picture: SNS
Fans are unlikely to be back in grounds anytime soon. Picture: SNS

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "In light of the current situation, that the routemap changes with an indicative date of 5 October are unlikely to go ahead on that timescale."

Two test events have taken place in Scottish football with 300 fans in attendance for Aberdeen v Kilmarnock and Ross County v Celtic earlier this month.

It was hoped more test events would take place ahead of supporters being allowed to return next month with Celtic’s clash with Hibs on Saturday at Parkhead one fixture considered.

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That won’t, however, be the case. Premiership games, plus Betfred Cup fixtures, are to be played behind closed doors, with Scotland’s Euro 2020 play-off encounter with Israel at Hampden Park next month also to take place without fans.

The position will be reviewed in three weeks time which will coincide with the return of the Championship, League 1 and League 2, as well as the first Old Firm clash of the season.

Yet, currently, it could be a while before fans are able to return.