The SPFL has confirmed that the Winter break will be brought forward, after Celtic and Scottish Premiership clubs took a vote.
The Winter break will begin after the round of St Stephen’s Day fixtures, via BBC Sportsound [19.27]. On Boxing Day, crowds will be limited to 500, with Celtic due to face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
Yesterday, Celtic issued a statement to the SPFL. The Hoops appealed to the league authority to put the Winter break forward. That followed announcements from the Scottish Government about crowds and Covid-19 restrictions.
The club said [Celtic FC]: “The game owes it to supporters to explore all opportunities to maximise the prospect of all supporters being able to attend matches and support the game they love.
That was backed by Hearts, Motherwell, Dundee United and other clubs in the top-flight.
The rescheduled dates were announced live on BBC Sportsound [19.36]. They are as follows: on Monday 17th January Celtic face Hibernian. On Wednesday 2nd February Celtic will meet Rangers in the Glasgow Derby.
Some common sense has prevailed for Celtic and the Scottish Premiership. Although Celtic will still have an essentially an empty McDiarmid Park to navigate on St Stephen’s Day.
An official update from the SPFL will be issued during the course of the evening. Finally though, it’s some clarity on a complex issue surrounding Scottish football.
As for now, Celtic face St Mirren, in a game that was in doubt itself. Troubling times for Celtic and the SPFL.
Read more: Celtic team vs St Mirren confirmed, big changes, TV details, fans react
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