Celtic fans set for Parkhead return earlier than expected

It looks like Celtic fans will be returning to Parkhead way earlier than first expected as Scottish Government’s green light is brilliant news.

It’s true, we could see some fans in Celtic Park watching a live game later this month. It may only be small numbers initially but it’s fantastic news for all of us, and especially those who get in to watch.

We know the Scottish Premiership is due to start in August, but all plans are for games to be behind closed doors initially, and it could be as long as October before that might change. Celtic’s October match against Rangers could still be very likely to be without a crowd though.

But in more positive news Glasgow Live carry reports that plans are underway to allow test events at some grounds in the not too distant future meaning limited numbers of fans would be allowed in for matches under strict controls to test how effective some new crowd measures with social distancing are. Last month saw a test rugby event at Murrayfield involving around 1000 fans watching a Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh match. The article also reports that Celtic have been holding talks in a bid to get fans back to grounds.

Professor Jason Leitch is quoted in the article as saying:

"“I can’t imagine physically-distanced crowds in August or September. I might be wrong and with a fair wind we might get there. I think we might run some test events during that two month period. It might be a big match but a small test event crowd.”“Then thinking about into the autumn and winter I would hope if things remain good then we might be able to get back to physically-distanced crowds.”"

Can we expect Celtic to be able to run a test event? Yes!

Celtic Underground somewhat cryptically tweeted suggesting 1000 Celtic fans keep 25th July free in their diary.

That coincides with another online forum fan telling their story of being contacted by Celtic ticket office by email about tickets for a home game against French opposition on 25 July. The details provided to the fan were around restrictions that would be applied and needing to arrive at least an hour before the kick off.

That does look very promising for a return to football at Celtic Park in front of a very small but no, doubt very vocal crowd. Let’s hope it’s the start of a successful return to football in front of fans.