Scottish football’s Joint Response Group has today welcomed the Scottish Government decision to allow 300 fans to attend some professional football matches.
The decision follows publication of the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) Strategic Framework for Scotland, which allows restricted numbers of fans to attend stadia located in local authority areas with Protection Level 1 of the Framework.
This means that Ross County FC will welcome up to 300 home fans to the Global Energy Stadium for the visit of Livingston FC this Friday, 6 November.
The JRG will work with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, Elgin City FC and those Highland League clubs also in Level 1 local authority areas over the coming weeks on their operational plans, to ensure the safe return of fans to those clubs as soon as possible.
JRG Chairman and Scottish FA President Rod Petrie said:
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s green light to the return of fans to football stadia after an eight-month hiatus.”
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.”
Ross County FC Chairman Roy MacGregor said:
“At a difficult time for everyone involved in the game, we are delighted that the SPFL, the Scottish FA and the Scottish Government have worked together to allow the return of fans.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome a small number of our supporters back to the Global Energy Stadium this Friday.”
