Today’s Scottish Government announcement has provided a massive boost to Hearts and Hibs.
At the First Minister’s Tuesday briefing, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that vaccines had broken the link between Covid and hospitalisations/deaths despite a rising number of cases.
That means Scotland will be subject to level 0 covid restrictions from next Monday. These have been modified slightly but don’t affect the current guidelines on stadia and outdoor events.
2,000 fans are permitted to attend matches, which will be the case for games at Tynecastle and Easter Road this evening.
Robbie Neilson’s men face Cove Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup while Jack Ross’ side take on Arsenal in a glamour friendly.
However, a higher attendance could be possible for future games if clubs submit a special request to the local authority and Scottish Government.
That gives hope that a relatively bumper crowd will be able to attend Hearts’ Premiership opener against Celtic at the end of this month, and Hibs’ Europa Conference League qualifier.
The Scottish Government website states: "Guidance is being produced which may allow higher capacities to be agreed with the local authority/ Scottish Government depending on the event.
Scotland also remains on track to lift all restrictions on August 9, which could lead to full stadiums from then on.
