Scottish football has been dealt a hammer blow after Nicola Sturgeon announced only 500 fans would be allowed in grounds.
The rules will be put in place from Boxing Day – meaning the country’s two biggest fixtures will now be capped.
Celtic are set to host Rangers on January 2, while Hearts travel to Leith to face Hibs 24 hours later.
St Mirren's clash with Celtic and Aberdeen's visit to Hibs on Wednesday will not be impacted.
The Omicron variant has ripped through Scotland and the Government has put the measures in place for an initial three week period.
It had been hoped there would be no more restrictions put in place so Scottish football could limp on until the winter break, which is scheduled for the top flight following the Edinburgh derby.
Across the Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two clubs will be left counting the cost of turning away fans.
The First Minster told Scottish Parliament on large scale events: "From 26 December – inclusive – for a period of three weeks, we intend to place limits on the size of public events that can take place. This does not apply to private life events such as weddings.
"For indoor standing events the limit will be 100; for indoor seated events it will be 200; and for outdoor events it will be 500 seated or standing.
"Physical distancing of one metre will be required at events that go ahead within these limits.
"This will of course make sports matches, including football, effectively spectator-free over this three week period."
