Murrayfield confirm "green light" for fans; Celtic trying to do similar

By Hamish Carton

August 21, 2020

Murrayfield will host spectators for the Edinburgh vs Glasgow Warriors rugby match next week, it has been confirmed.

The 1872 Cup clash will be open to supporters after Scottish Rugby received the “green light” from the government to run a test event.

Scottish Rugby confirmed the news on their official website on Friday evening, adding that the match would be the first rugby fixture in Britain since March to have fans in place.

Murrayfield in the sun / (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Yesterday, we told you how the BBC had learned that around 700 spectators will be allowed into the 67,000 stadium for the fixture next Friday.

And the news must now be seen as a real positive for Celtic who are said to be hoping to hold their own test event next weekend. (BBC)

Government surely can’t turn down Celtic request now

Given that the Scottish Government have now allowed Scottish Rugby to conduct a test event, surely they must afford Celtic Park the same luxury.

Our stadium is approximately the same size as Murrayfield – and equally as well equipped to deal with limited numbers of supporters.

It would be pretty discriminatory against football if the government allowed a test in one sport, but not the other.

Earlier, Neil Lennon told the press about his understanding of the club’s plans.

“That would be fantastic,” he said, as per the club’s official YouTube channel.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“The club are collaborating with the government to try and make this happen, and later on down the line open the gates to more, so it would be brilliant.”

If Celtic Park is allowed to host fans next Sunday, then expect it to be a minute number.

But it’s a start.

In other news, former Celtic youngster Liam Burt doesn’t hold any resentment towards the club for his release.