The Scottish Government's national clinical director has urged football fans not to gather in people’s houses for the Old Firm match this month.
Jason Leitch said fans should stay in their own homes amid concerns the closure of pubs could see a rise in house parties.
The Government’s new coronavirus restrictions, which will be published today, are aimed at stopping the rise in infections caused by people in different households mixing.
Pubs, bars and restaurants in the Central Belt will close from 6pm today until October 25th, with hospitality venues in other parts of the country facing restrictions short of closure.
However, fears have been expressed about the impact of the pub ban on the Old Firm game on October 17th.
Tony Cochrane, who runs pub and club venues in Scotland, said: “Everyone will go watch the match at their mate’s house with some beers."
In an interview with BBC Scotland, it was put to Leitch that people going to each other’s houses for the game could be an “absolute disaster”.
He said: “I really, really hope not. We do have a difficulty with Old Firm games in this country. I was a head and neck surgeon for many years, so I used to have the Old Firm game diaried into my head because I knew we were going to be busier on Old Firm days, unfortunately, in the old days.”
“So I understand the challenges around the pubs and the side issues of the Old Firm game.”
He added: “But the Old Firm game is going ahead and we are keen for elite football to be safe and to return, and that’s gone relatively well over the last few weeks. I would ask people just to be so, so careful, and mixing households is how the virus spreads. So watch it in your own home and don’t, don’t mix households.”
Cochrane also said: "I would urge Nicola Sturgeon to let us open - even if just for the Old Firm game."
He added: "I know someone in the younger generation who has been invited to three parties."
