Celtic seek 18,000 attendance as Scottish stadiums can have 2,000 fans from 19 July

Celtic are in talks with Glasgow City Council and the government about the possibility of having up to 18,000 fans at their Champions League qualifying match next week.

Danish side Midtjylland visit for the first leg of the second qualifying round tie on 20 July.

With Scotland moving to level zero on Monday, seated crowds of 2,000 will be able to attend matches.

However, applications for more can be made on a case-by-case basis.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that Covid-19 constraints will be lifted as planned, albeit with some modifications.

From Monday, seated outdoor stadiums can host 2,000 fans, and standing venues can accommodate 1,000.

Hampden accommodated up to 12,500 fans for the Euros and clubs with bigger capacities will seek permission to host more of their season ticket holders.

Aberdeen are asking for 8,200 supporters inside Pittodrie up to and including 1 August.

Rangers have been granted dispensation to have 2000 fans at Saturday’s friendly with Arsenal, but say they are “disappointed at the small number” and by “the time it has taken” to have the amount confirmed by the Scottish Government.

The new baseline limit will apply in the fourth round of matches of the League Cup group stage and Scottish clubs’ European qualifiers.

It also means the SPFL league season will be able to begin at the end of July with fans in grounds.

For matches before Monday – in the League Cup and pre-season friendlies – a maximum of 1,000 and a minimum of 250 can be accommodated, depending on local restrictions.

However, both Hibernian and Hearts were allowed 2,000 for games on Tuesday after applying to Edinburgh City Council.

And Celtic have already been given the green light for 2000 home supporters to attend a friendly against Preston North End on Saturday.

Ms Sturgeon also reiterated she hopes to remove social distancing and all other Covid measures by 9 August.

Original article 14.07.21 on the BBC Sport website

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