SPFL chief Neil Doncaster backs Aberdeen in Scottish Government row over fan return

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster has backed Aberdeen in their row with the Scottish Government

The Dons chairman has questioned the repeated rejection of test event applications to welcome supporters back to Pittodrie after revealing that Aberdeen have spent £30,000 on protocols to ensure the safe return of spectators.

In a strongly-worded statement the US-based entrepreneur claimed Scottish football and its fans were being treated unfairly, adding: “We’ve got our fans’ backs on this and we’re not going to be fobbed off easily.”

The Dons have already carried out test events with 300 people in attendance at the stadium, while they have also secured the backing of epidemiologist Professor Gary Macfarlane, who deemed 2000 socially-distanced supporters inside Pittodrie as being low risk.

Responding to Cormack’s comments, SPFL chief Doncaster said: “Clubs all over the country have similarly detailed plans in place to allow fans back safely and are increasingly bemused, frustrated and angry at the Scottish Government’s stance. Fans should gradually be allowed back under very controlled circumstances.

“The social, clinical and economic evidence is being dismissed by The Scottish Government. How can it be fair or reasonable that you can currently watch a football game in a cinema in Aberdeen, yet cannot attend a socially-distanced, carefully controlled football match outdoors in the same city?

“The fact that Scottish football fans can now see thousands of English supporters attending matches at dozens of grounds down south is rubbing salt in the wounds.”

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