Hearts and Hibs 'open to use of BT Murrayfield' for matches

Hearts played at BT Murrayfield in 2018 against Celtic.

Hearts and Hibs would be open to the possibility of using BT Murrayfield for home matches next season.

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has opened up the national stadium to both Capital clubs, with its 67,000-seater stadium being more conducive to socially-distancing fans should lockdown rules be relaxed further.

The SRU’s chief operating officer Dominic McKay said: “We have spoken to various football teams in the city of Edinburgh around potentially utilising our facility in the season ahead and we would be happy to do that if it was right for them and for us.

“If sport can collaborate then football can play at BT Murrayfield to restart their sport and that helps our sport start in many ways.”

And according to The Scotsman, both Hearts and Hibs have responded favourably to the SRU's offer.

A Hearts spokesman said: “Following discussions with Scottish Rugby the club is open to the idea of utilising BT Murrayfield as a hub if it proves to be a way to safely introduce larger crowds back to football.”

A statement from Hibs added: “We are open to any viable option that allows Hibernian supporters to watch their team.”

BT Murrayfield has been used by Hearts a number of times since 2004, while the SPFL used it for a Betfred Cup semi final between the Gorgie side and Celtic. It also played host to Celtic in Champions League qualifiers.

The Premiership season is due to begin on August 1 and will include Hibs, while Hearts will play in the Championship – likely to start in October – unless league reconstruction takes place.