The SPFL is seeking urgent talks with the Scottish Government after today’s media conference appeared to dismiss any form of football for the foreseeable future.
Group training won’t be permitted before June 10 with three of the four professional divisions declared over as far as the 2019/20 season is concerned.
Starting next season as close to August 1 to suit the new Sky Sports broadcasting deal is critical for the future of the game but nothing can be put ahead of public safety.
Social distancing is likely to reduce stadium capacities or even see the season start behind closed doors but the message coming from today’s lunchtime media conference was that closed doors matches might attract crowds trying to look in or watching too closely on television.
The Daily Record reports:
Record Sport exclusively revealed late on Sunday night that discussions have taken place on getting the game back on – even if it’s without fans.
It’s understood Celtic will work with a team of experts this week in a bid to figure out a raft of emergency contingency plans in the event Celtic Park – along with grounds around the country – has to remain closed to fans even after the lockdown has been relaxed.
But Sturgeon all but dismissed that idea as she fears supporters will still congregate to watch a game together whether it’s inside the stadium or not.
And when asked by Record Sport what their next move might be, the SPFL revealed they want to begin talks with the Scottish Government as they face the prospect of having no football for another six months.
A spokesman said: “SPFL teams are at the hearts of the communities that surround and sustain them. Fans, players and officials alike are all keen to resume matches as soon as it’s appropriate and safe to do so.
“Clearly, there are far more pressing issues for our communities and our health services at the moment, but we look forward to positive and early discussions with the Scottish Government on planning for bringing our game back.”
Earlier in the day, Sturgeon had said: “I’m not yet in a position to give dates when things will start again and what order things will start to go back to normal.
“People should not be under the expectation that large-scale, mass gatherings will be starting anytime soon because we must make sure we are doing everything we can to continue to suppress this virus.”
UEFA will host a video conference tomorrow for all 55 member associations with a meeting of their Executive scheduled for Thursday.
So far the SPFL has been preoccupied with matters relating to the current season but very soon attention will have to switch to the how and when the 2020/21 season will begin.
