Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has admitted that he doesn’t expect to see grounds at full capacity in August, despite a planned lessening of Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland – as he opened up on the return of Scottish fans to stadia ahead of the new season.
Despite 12,000 fans currently being allowed to enter Hampden to cheer on games at Euro 2020, the current rules mean only 2000 fans will be allowed into domestic games when they get started next month.
With the restrictions due to be reduced in August, Maxwell admitted that the SFA still need to get to grips with what will and won’t be allowed by then, but confessed that it will be a while before grounds in Scotland are close to being full.
“I think we’re now looking at that August 9 date and need to know what that means.” Maxwell told BBC Scotland.
“I don’t think it will be full capacity. Physical distancing, they’re talking about that being removed but I think there will still be limited numbers allowed within stadiums for a period.
“There might be other mitigations – it might be facemasks but we’re not entirely sure on what that detail looks like at this point in time – but, notwithstanding the football point, we need to get back to normality within society.
“it’s really difficult for everybody to keep doing what they are doing and living through what they are living through.”
Hampden contradiction makes no sense to domestic supporters
Fans are already unimpressed by the fact that 12,000 fans were allowed into Hampden for Euro 2020 games, many having travelled from outside Scotland, while supporters can’t go see their local club in numbers.
With the likes of Rangers and Celtic selling in excess of 40,000 season tickets each, the idea that most could be locked out for a substantial period of time again is beyond ridiculous.
Either it is safe for fans to return or it isn’t – it shouldn’t matter who is getting their palm greased.
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