Fans could be back in Scottish stadiums by September, says Nicola Sturgeon

Football fans could be back in stadiums by September 14, according to the latest guidance from the Scottish Government.

It is hoped that partial crowds observing physical distancing could be allowed into sports arenas initially, with test events sanctioned by the Scottish Government taking place at the start of the month.

However First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who also announced that indoor sports courts, gyms, and swimming pools could reopen on September 14, stressed that the dates highlighted were indicative, and subject to review.

Scotland’s UEFA Nations League clash with Israel, scheduled to be played at Hampden Park on September 4, has been earmarked as a potential test event by the Scottish FA, although any such move would need clearance from European football’s governing body as well.

The Scottish Premiership season starts on Saturday August 1, with no fans present at any grounds, although clubs have been anxious to bring supporters back as soon as possible.

Ms Sturgeon said today: "We hope that sports stadia will be able to reopen from September 14 for limited numbers of spectators, with physical distancing in place.

"Some professional sports events may be arranged for spectators before then with Scottish Government agreement to test the safety of any new arrangements."

Scottish Rugby has also proposed a test event at BT Murrayfield, allowing a limited number of spectators into the venue for a PRO14 meeting between Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

Assuming there are no stumbling blocks along the way, this would mean that at least some fans may be allowed into Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi-final matches between Aberdeen and Celtic, and Hearts and Hibs in late October.