Nicola Sturgeon: Fans should be back in Scotland's stadiums in September

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is ready to let fans return to stadiums.

The Scottish Government are planning to allow limited numbers of fans into sports stadiums from September 14 in a huge boost to supporters across the country.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that crowds should be back inside venues subject to coronavirus infection rates nearer the time.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Sturgeon stated that test events will be staged beforehand as the easing of lockdown continues.

She said: “We hope from September 14 sports stadia will be able to open but only with a strict number of spectators and strict physical distancing in place.

“Some professional sports events might be arranged for spectators to attend have before then, with Scottish Government agreement to test the safety of any new arrangements.”

Scotland’s last sizeable sports event was back on March 12 when Rangers hosted Bayer Leverkusen in a Europa League tie at Ibrox Stadium.

Sport went into complete shutdown thereafter, and the new Premiership campaign started earlier this month behind closed doors.

The Championship, League One and League Two are due to start in October, with rugby’s Pro14 competition due to return this weekend.

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