Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gavin Berry

Nicola Sturgeon announces return to SPFL capacity crowds but on two big conditions

Nicola Sturgeon has given the green light for fans to flock back to football grounds after lifting current restrictions.

But clubs must carry out Covid certification checks on at least half of the crowd with a booster also now required for full vaccination status.

Only 500 supporters have been allowed at games up and down the country since Boxing Day fixtures.

The restrictions on outdoor events were among a series of measures imposed by the Scottish government in an attempt to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

That saw the Scottish Premiership clubs agree to bring the winter break forward in a bid to minimise the financial impact of the limited capacity.

It was hoped by the time the top flight action resumed that capacity crowds would be allowed back in.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (PA)

And the move has paid off with Sturgeon announcing that that the limit on numbers at outdoor events has been lifted in the First Minister's Holyrood update.

That means Celtic and Hibs fans can pack out Parkhead for the first game back on Monday before Aberdeen host Rangers in one of four fixtures the following night.

The Light Blues’ first match back at Ibrox Stadium is against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup on Friday week.

Sturgeon said: "I can confirm that the attendance limit of 500 at large scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, January 17.

"That means for example spectators will be permitted again at major outdoor sporing events including football fixtures scheduled for early next week.

"The Covid certification scheme will remain in place for these and other events and venues previously covered but with two important changes.

"Firstly, our guidance will now stipulate the organisers of large events of 1000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50 per cent of attendees rather than the current 20 per cent or at least 100 people - whichever figure is highest - and I’ve got every confidence in the football authorities to be able to do that.

"Second, from Monday the requirement to be fully vaccinated for purposes of Covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.