Celtic and Rangers clash faces brutal 500 fan limit – what we know amid Nicola Sturgeon decision
NEW coronavirus restrictions mean the New Year clash between Celtic and Rangers will be played in front of a reduced crowd.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today revealed that just 500 spectators will be allowed at outdoor events from Boxing Day.
One metre social distancing rules will also be brought in.
The decision was announced by Ms Sturgeon following a Cabinet meeting which discussed ways to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
The new restrictions will be in place for “a period up to three weeks”.
Ms Sturgeon said: “This will of course make sports matches, including football, effectively spectator-free over this three-week period.
“And it will also mean that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations, including that planned here in our capital city, will not proceed.
“I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events, and for the organisers of them.”
The top of the table clash between Celtic and Rangers is pencilled in for January 2 with a 12pm kick-off and it now looks set for a minuscule crowd.
It is understood that an informal chat is underway between Scottish Premiership clubs over bringing the winter break forward a week with the new restrictions.
The move comes after the Welsh government announced that all sporting events will be held behind closed doors from Boxing Day due to the surge in coronavirus cases.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething announced the new measures for indoor and outdoor sporting events in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
Gething said: “Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new Omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections.
“We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and control the spread of this awful virus.
“Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of Omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can.
“Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”
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