Aberdeen chief hits out at Scottish Government after latest bid to get fans back fails

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has hit out at the Scottish Government after the club’s latest bid to bring some fans back to Pittodrie fell on deaf ears.

Dave Cormack has expressed his disappointment at the latest "rejection" from the Scottish Government

The Dons have already carried out test events with 300 people in attendance at the stadium but Cormack has questioned the reasons behind the “continued rejection" of their applications.

In a strongly-worded statement the US-based entrepreneur claimed Scottish football and its fans were being treated unfairly.

Cormack added: “We have compared the criteria in place for a range of other venues, all of which are indoors and open in Level 2, against the stringent controls at our stadium.

"This stark comparison reveals that fans would be far safer in an outdoor stadium yet we are still waiting, months later, for the Scottish Government to provide any clinical evidence to support their decision.

“Any independent observer would seriously struggle to understand why the Scottish Government continues to reject our carefully-researched and detailed application."

It was pointed out that clubs have invested serious money and resources into "robust, operational planning" for a phased return of supporters, as encouraged by national clinical director Dr Jason Leitch.

Cormack continued: “We’ve spent around £30,000 on putting measures in place.

“Jason Leitch himself told the SPFL and Premiership clubs that outdoor activities were safer than indoor activities yet our successful, safe test events with 300 fans now seem pointless if there is no progression plan in place, even in Level 1. We have repeatedly asked for clarification and meetings with him and Ministers, yet our requests continue to be ignored. Surely, clubs and our fans are due an explanation as to why they’ve done a U-turn.”

Surveys carried out among supporters of the northeast club have revelaed that 90 per cent are keen to return to Pittodrie.

Cormack added: “We are committed to standing up for our fans and continue to push for their return to football to give them a bit of relief, joy and hope, many of whom live for football and who are consequently suffering from isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

"Yes, it costs to put on these games with limited crowds, but it’s well worth it for our fans.

“We’ve got our fans’ backs on this and we’re not going to be fobbed off easily.”