Fans to return to Scottish football at Aberdeen v Kilmarnock and Ross County v Celtic this weekend

Ministers have given the go ahead for two Scottish Premiership matches be attended by a limited number of fans this weekend.

Aberdeen’s match against Kilmarnock at Pittodrie and Celtic’s trip to Ross County’s Global Energy Stadium will take place with a maximum of 300 home supporters.

The matches are being treated as pilot events, after both home teams submitted detailed operational plans for the safe entry and exit of supporters.

It follows a trial of supporters attending a rugby match between Edinburgh and Glasgow at Murrayfield last month.

🙌 Fan pilot matches on Saturday 12th September confirmed.

Full details 👇

— SPFL (@spfl) September 8, 2020

SPFL chief exectuive Neil Doncaster said: “We are pleased to have received confirmation of pilot events at two Scottish Premiership fixtures on 12 September and I would like to thank the respective home clubs – and indeed all 12 Premiership clubs – for the comprehensive Return to Supporting plans.

“We look forward to building on the successful all-sport supporter pilot at BT Murrayfield and I know that clubs take the responsibility for the safe return of supporters seriously. This is another significant step forward for Scottish football and I reiterate the importance of fans to our national game.

“The Joint Response Group will continue to liaise with all clubs, and especially the home clubs, in the coming week to ensure all protocols and guidance are adhered to and that fans can look forward to a phased return to supporting their respective teams.”

Rangers and St Mirren had hoped to welcome fans to their home matches against Dundee United and Hibs respectively on the same date.

However, there are increased coronavirus restrictions in the Glasgow City and Renfrewshire areas.

Season ticket holders can access the ballot online or by calling 01224 63 1903 before 5pm on Wednesday 9th September.

Apply online ➡️ https://t.co/pfe2onsHDP#StandFree pic.twitter.com/NatewhghpT

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) September 8, 2020

Aberdeen fans who signed up before July 10 – around 7,500 –  will be prioritised in a ballot for tickets for Saturday’s game.

They can apply on the club’s website for tickets, with 750 fans also expected to be allowed into the game against Motherwell on September 20.

Pittodrie’s South Stand will be used to house fans with distancing measures in place.

A statement on Aberdeen’s website said: “To maximise the value of the test, the aim is to ensure a spread of different size groups and ages for the first match as we aim to provide a safe matchday experience for all supporters.

“After the first test event all season ticket holders who were not successful in the ballot (including those who purchased after 10th July) will have the opportunity to enter ballots for future matches.

“It is envisaged that test events will run for a number of weeks, perhaps longer, gradually increasing in size if the trials are successful.  The only way to gain access for future test events will be as a season ticket holder and these places will be non-transferable.”

Ross County are yet to confirm arrangements for their match, but have surveyed season ticket holders to work out how many attend games as individuals, couples or family groups.