When Scottish football fans could attend games - Aberdeen chief reveals 'partial crowd' aim

Fans will be able to watch matches played behind closed doors online

Scottish football fans will be required to watch their team at the start of the 2020/21 season online with games set to be played behind closed doors for a sustained period.

That was all but confirmed with Wednesday’s announcement from the SPFL after they agreed with Sky Sports to allow Premiership clubs to stream matches.

Supporters will be able to purchase ‘virtual season tickets’ for all their home games, while talks are taking place with regards to viewing away fixtures.

Dave Cormack hopes fans will be back before 2021. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen, Dundee United, Hibs and Hearts have all sold thousands of season tickets with those clubs likely to grant those fans access to games via their TV channels.

It is something which Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has confirmed.

The Dons chief also revealed hope that “partial crowds” will be able to attend games in November or December.

In a statement to Aberdeen fans, he said: “We’re really excited about getting back to training later this month with a view to closed door games kicking off at the start of August and, whilst we appreciate we are operating under ever-changing circumstances, we’re preparing, and hoping, to return to Pittodrie with partial crowds from November or December and full crowds in January 2021.”

If supporters are able to return to grounds in November it would amount to a more than seven-month wait following the shutdown in March.

The SPFL are eager to get football back up and running in conjunction with the new five-year broadcasting deal with Sky which begins in August.

With physical distancing measures still likely to be in place, the virtual season ticket allows clubs to bring in revenue for fans yet to buy a season ticket, while allowing supporters to watch their team in action after a long hiatus.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports.

“This agreement means that any liability for games not delivered during Season 2019/20 has now been settled, on terms that reflect Sky’s status as a committed partner and supporter of Scottish football.”