As of Monday, January 17, fans can return to outdoor sporting events across Scotland.
The current restrictions, which limited outdoor crowds to 500, will come to an end.
The change comes in time for the return of the SPFL and the Rugby Six Nations which is due to start February 5, when Scotland take on England at Murrayfield.
In the announcement, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I can confirm today 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 sporting events including football fixtures scheduled for early next week and the forthcoming Six Nations rugby matches.
The Covid certification scheme will remain in place for these, and other events and venues previously covered.”
Strengthened entry requirements will also come into play on Monday. Clubs will now have to ensure:
- That all supporters must either a) be fully vaccinated, which will include a booster vaccine for those who had a second dose more than four months ago; or b) provide proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test.
- That clubs must increase spot-checking from 20% of attendees prior to admittance, to at least 1000 supporters or 50% of the attendance, whichever number is greater.
Additionally, clubs are advised to recommend that all fans take a Lateral Flow Test before attending any matches, regardless of their vaccination status.
SPFL Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster, said: “Today’s announcement is a sensible decision that will be welcomed by clubs and hundreds of thousands of fans across the country.
Football is not the same without supporters, and I know how much it will mean to them to be back in stadiums watching matches again.”
Celtic welcome Hibernian at 19:45 on Monday, in what will be the first SPFL game since the moved winter break.
Feature Image Credit: BBC
