The SPFL are holding informal talks about the movement of the January winter break, Scottish Daily Mail journalist Stephen McGowan has reported this afternoon.
As we discussed earlier today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that there will be a restriction of crowd numbers to just 500 for football matches from 26th December. These restrictions are currently scheduled to be in place for three weeks.
If that timetable holds, theoretically there could be little impact on crowds at Scottish football. The Premiership is currently due to take a break from 3rd January to 21st January. Bringing this forward a week would give the league time to get fans back into stadia across the country.
McGowan reported on Twitter just before Sturgeon addressed parliament: “Informal chat underway between Scottish Premiership clubs over bringing the winter break forward a week if, as expected, new 500 fan limit is imposed on outdoor events. Views of Sky Sports key.”
If the break is moved, it would mean that the Celtic vs Rangers match on January 2nd would be postponed until later into 2022, potentially at the end of January.
However, as McGowan notes, broadcaster Sky Sports may not be happy with this scenario. The festive period is traditionally their busiest time of the year when it comes to viewing numbers.
No doubt there’s a lot to consider here. While my personal preference would be to bring the break forward, it’s not a completely easy decision for the SPFL to make. Some clubs may wish for the schedule to go ahead as intended.
We’ll of course have all the latest news for you on 67 Hail Hail as the situation unfolds.
In other news, What Callum McGregor told the Celtic dressing room at Hampden; fiery siege mentality on display.
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