SPFL clubs have been given the green light to have a limited amount of fans inside their stadiums, a welcome boost to most.
The Scottish Government have approved proposals that will see 300 supporters return to grounds in Scottish football from this weekend.
Ross County will be permitted to have fans at the Global Energy Stadium when they host Livingston on Friday night.
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A statement on Ross County’s official website said: “Earlier this evening, the Joint Response Group informed the club that we had been successful in gaining a second opportunity to welcome fans into our stadium for a home fixture.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government, SFA and SPFL have shown faith (in) Ross County and our success in our earlier test event to allow us a second.”
The Joint Response Group are working with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Elgin City and the Highland League clubs also in Level 1 local authority areas.
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SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster commented: “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.”
However, Inverness Caledonian Thistle have admitted they were disappointed that crowds will be limited to 300 people for the foreseeable future.
The club’s chief executive, Scot Gardiner, said: “I won’t tell a fib – we were disappointed.
“We’re happy to get crowds in, but the clubs who have already done test events have proven it can be done.
“I think all of us were expecting it might be slightly more and that’s what we were working towards.
“You see what’s happening in cinemas and other parts of the entertainment world, which after all we are, they have had 25-27 per cent of their capacity indoors.
“I know there are issues brought up about people travelling on public transport, but I don’t think that applies for us, County or Elgin, although I won’t speak for either of those clubs.
“No public transport comes to the Caledonian Stadium and there will be no away supporters – it is going to be very local to us.
“At the moment we’ve got to be grateful for small mercies, because it is March 10 since we last had fans through the gates.”
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Gardiner does not expect any change if the fans test event is successful, meaning Inverness will not bring in the cash they initially hoped for.
“I can only speak for Caley Thistle and having virtually no supporters and virtually no revenue between now and whenever, it is desperate – we can’t portray it any other way,” Gardiner added.
“It’s very difficult for everyone in Scottish football. When you see what is happening in England it is particularly galling, with the National League’s 66 clubs receiving £20 million.
“The two biggest clubs in the National League have crowds comparable to our usual attendances. York City is probably the biggest, between 2000 and 3500.
“I cannot for the life of me understand what’s happening up here and why we’re effectively hanging in the wind here as an industry when we’re putting on our games at full operation.”
Fans reacted after seeing that SPFL clubs are given the green light to have a limited amount of fans inside grounds this weekend…
What’s the point in allowing 300 fans when they already did a successful test on 300?
— ritchie?? (@RitchieM03) November 4, 2020
Its 300 more than last week.
And in three weeks when they next assess it may rise.
But with 500 deaths a day i think you may need to wind your neck in.
It would be easier for club and government to allow none.
— Far Centre Watch ?#FSFA #FPHD #FBPE (@Moogthurso) November 4, 2020
It’s not a test, it’s a Tier 1 area and limited numbers are permitted, it’s a start
— ian anderson (@staggie63) November 4, 2020
What gain will this be to clubs? They will all be season ticket holders and the club will have to employ extra security guards and police so could end up costing money.
— Louis (@louistulley) November 4, 2020
The negatively here is incredible, its a start. Hardly likely to allow 1000s in straight away.
— M (@RoyalBlue1872) November 5, 2020
Madness.
— Jackie Lennon (@jackielennon69) November 4, 2020
Wow that’s fantastic, how I miss going to matches! All the best to everyone who is lucky getting an ticket ?
— Mairi Ord (@MairiOrd) November 4, 2020
Got my email so myself and my eldest son will be there, absolutely delighted ???
— Scott Macintosh (@scottmacintosh5) November 4, 2020
Excellent news, shame it isn’t 750, but a step in the right direction.
— macd (@macd23891329) November 4, 2020
Should be more but better than nothing
— Scott MacLennan (@scottm1901) November 4, 2020
Get what your given, don’t want to push their luck, I suppose. Also have to remember, their stands are relatively compact, so they want to minimise the potential spread as much as possible, so I can’t see the Jailend being very populated considering it’s only a couple rows deep
— Jack Waddington (@_Jack_Wad_) November 4, 2020
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