Rangers and Celtic set for approval on full capacity crowds

Glasgow City Council is set to give Rangers and Celtic the go-ahead to play in front of capacity crowds at Ibrox and Celtic Park, STV News understands.

The local authority is ready to grant permission for full attendances if either club makes an application.

The news comes after the Daily Record newspaper cited a source close to the council as saying it would be unlikely that a request by Rangers or Celtic for a full-house would be rejected.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said almost all of Scotland’s remaining Covid-19 restrictions – including an end to social distancing and limits on the size of social gatherings – are to end from Monday, August 9.

Rangers’ first match after the easing of restrictions is the second leg of their crucial Champions League qualifier against Swedish side Malmo at Ibrox next Tuesday.

The club has previously said it expects Ibrox to be filled to its 50,000 capacity for the match.

Celtic are due to face Jablonec, of the Czech Republic, at Parkhead in the second-leg of their Europa League third round qualifier next Thursday, and then welcome Hearts to Glasgow’s east end in the League Cup on August 15.

Sturgeon said on Tuesday that while the Scottish Government expects the return of large scale events, for a “limited period”, organisers of outdoor events of more than 5000, and indoor events of more than 2000, will have to apply for permission to their local authority.

STV News has learned that Glasgow City Council will grant permission for maximum attendances at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.