Football fans return as clubs hold two trial events

Fans will be allowed inside stadia to watch Premiership football for the first time this season at the weekend.

The Scottish Government has given the green light for a maximum of 300 home supporters to be admitted to Aberdeen’s home match against Kilmarnock and Ross County’s match against Celtic in Dingwall.

The games have been given the go-ahead after stringent procedures were submitted and the clubs will report back to allow any necessary improvements at future pilots and when fans return in greater numbers.

Premiership clubs have been without the revenue from supporters since lockdown began in March and returned to playing closed-door games in August.

With the Championship, League One and league Two to start their season next month, there’s hope that a gradual rise in the number of supporters in attendance will help clubs financially as they deal with the impact of the pandemic.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster welcomed the news.

He said: “We are pleased to have received confirmation of pilot events at two Scottish Premiership fixtures on September 12 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.”