Fans of Scottish clubs look set to be locked out of their favourite grounds for the remainder of the season.
That’s despite the government green lighting crowds of up to 12,000 for this summer’s Euros.
Record Sport understands the SPFL will not be granted permission to take down the padlocks in order to stage test events between now and the end of the top flight season on Sunday May 16.
And despite clinical director Jason Leitch claiming limited numbers of supporters might be able to attend a test event at the Scottish Cup Final, there are in fact no plans for Hampden to be opened up for the rescheduled end-of-season showpiece on May 22.
Sources at the national stadium were left bemused by Leitch’s suggestion as they have promised to hand over the keys to UEFA on May 14 – six days after the original date of this season’s finale – in order for European football’s governing body to start preparation work for the tournament.
It’s understood a number of building works will begin at that stage to get Hampden ready for the big kick-off on June 14.
And that issues over a safety certificate will torpedo any chance of opening up the turnstiles until Steve Clarke’s side start their Group D campaign at home to the Czech Republic.
Record Sport also understands the SFA will discover on Friday whether or not they are in line to pick up extra Euro 2020 fixtures after Ireland failed to give UEFA assurances that spectators might be allowed in to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium for four matches this summer
If the Irish lose host rights, the English FA will also hope to pick up added matches – that would include a last-16 knock-out match involving the winners of the Auld Enemy’s Group D section.
