Neil Doncaster has labelled the return of fans ‘significant’ as Ross County v Celtic and Aberdeen v Kilmarnock get the green light to host a small number of supporters this weekend.
The Scottish government has given the green light for Staggies fans to watch their team against Celtic this week and the same for Dons supporters in their match with Kilmarnock.
Fans will return to Dingwall this week for Ross County Celtic. (Photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
300 lucky fans will get the chance to watch their team this weekend. It comes after the first six matches of the Premiership season were forced behind closed doors due to COVID-19 protocol regulations.
It’s a major step forward for Scottish football as the game seeks a semblance of normality in the aftermath of all that has gone on globally in the last six months. These two fixtures will be test events to see if it’s possible to get fans into stadiums across the Premiership.
SPFL chief executive Doncaster is delighted with the news, saying that it is a big step in the right direction for Scottish football: “We are pleased to have received confirmation of pilot events at two Scottish Premiership fixtures on 12 September and I would like to thank the respective home clubs – and indeed all 12 Premiership clubs – for the comprehensive Return to Supporting plans.
“We look forward to building on the successful all-sport supporter pilot at BT Murrayfield and I know that clubs take the responsibility for the safe return of supporters seriously. This is another significant step forward for Scottish football and I reiterate the importance of fans to our national game.
“The JRG will continue to liaise with all clubs, and especially the home clubs, in the coming week to ensure all protocols and guidance are adhered to and that fans can look forward to a phased return to supporting their respective teams.”