Could Scottish football follow EPL over capacity cap for next season to allow fans to return

When the season starts, games will be played behind closed doors. Picture: SNS

The English Premier League is set to introduce a capacity cap for the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

It has been reported by The Independent, the league have been in discussions with the UK Government over allowing 40 per cent of fans into grounds when the season gets underway on 12 September.

The EPL and English Championship resumed to finish the 2019/20 campaign behind closed doors, while the SPFL terminated all four leagues following the shutdown in March.

The Scottish Government have given the league body the go-ahead to begin the new Premiership season on 1 August with the Championship and Leagues One and Two commencing a truncated season in October.

However it will start behind closed doors.

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Sport Joe FitzPatrick said: “The Scottish Government appreciates the importance of football to many people in Scotland, and I share the enthusiasm of many in seeing our national game returning at elite level, albeit behind closed doors.”

He added: “Given the nature of the virus there is not an imminent prospect of fans being allowed back into stadiums, but we will continue to review this situation in the coming months. I am sure everyone will appreciate that this will only be able to happen when it is safe to do so."

Clubs are keen to have fans back in stadiums as soon as possible, gate receipts and money generated on matchdays play a vital role in clubs’ revenues.

The EPL’s plan would likely see at least a seat between fans in attendance, while face masks will be mandatory to protect against any spread of Covid-19.

As has been happening at pubs and restaurants a track and trace system will likely be in place.