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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ryan Carroll

St Johnstone promised 'suitable solution' as fans face Europa League lockout for Galatasaray clash

The Scottish Government have pledged to find a "suitable solution" for St Johnstone fans ahead of their likely Europa League clash with Galatasaray.

The Turks are currently 5-1 down after the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against PSV Eindhoven.

They will meet the Saints in third round qualifying of the Europa League if they fail to turn that tie around - which has posed a problem for the Perth side.

Due to current Scots travel restrictions, the double header could be played at a neutral venue across Europe - with both games being played behind closed doors due to the fact Turkey remains on the 'red list' of high-risk coronavirus countries.

But Scottish Government chiefs have given Saints fans a glimmer of hope by detailing they are in talks with the football authorities over a possible solution.

A Scottish Government spokesman told Record Sport : "International travel restrictions remain necessary to limit the importation of the virus and variants of concern.

"Red list countries pose the highest risk, and we must therefore consider any exemptions very carefully.

"We are aware of the particular issue outlined and will work with the football authorities to aim to find a suitable solution."

Questions have been asked over why Turkey remains on the 'red list', as Covid rates are currently relatively low.

There are no new variants of concern and high testing rates have also been recorded.

Experts have suggested that the travel ban remains in place due to Turkey being a worldwide transport hub.

The next review of the traffic light system on countries is due to take place on the August 4, however exemptions from quarantine from amber list countries are still very limited.

Exemptions include UK sportspersons returning to Scotland from training for the Olympic or Paralympic Games, or those who are based abroad returning to Scotland for an elite sports event or training - such as was put in place for Euro 2020 last month.

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