Neil Doncaster shares big update on fans returning to SPFL matches
Scottish Government have approved plans that will allow 300 supporters to attend Friday’s Scottish Premiership meeting between Ross County and Livingston.
In a statement by SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, it was confirmed that the match at the Global Energy Stadium would welcome 300 fans.
The Joint Response Group will continue working with clubs situated in Level 1 COVID-19 restriction local authority areas, as the move towards supporters returning to grounds gets closer.
Doncaster said (via Glasgow Times): “I’m sure this news will be cheered by every player, official and fan in our game. All clubs in Scotland are desperate to get fans back safely in the open air and we are very grateful to the Scottish Government for approving this crucial first step towards the return of supporters to every ground.
“All of us in the SPFL have missed the enormous difference which our passionate supporters bring to the game, not to mention the absolutely crucial matchday revenue, and everyone involved will be working flat-out to ensure that the return of fans to the Global Energy Stadium goes smoothly this Friday.”
Cautious optimism required
While the announcement is certainly good news, there remains an incredibly long way to go.
The rest of the UK has now gone into lockdown and it remains to be seen whether the tier system that is being operated in Scotland will prove effective.
Furthermore, Glasgow is currently placed under tier 3 restrictions, with a possible move to tier 4 reported, meaning that Rangers would not be eligible under the existing framework.
However, this is a step in the right direction and an indication that the government and SPFL are willing to work together to make this work.
At this stage, let’s watch with anticipation as the first trials are run and see how the SPFL look to proceed in the future.
In other Rangers news, Ryan Gould says what Rangers fans can take heart from ahead of clash v Benfica