Celtic are planning to play in front of crowds of 30,000 in August which will hand the hoops a massive Champions League boost.
The first round matches will be played on August 18/19 with the second round of August 25/26 by which time Celtic Park could have hosted two SPFL Premiership fixtures
With the Scottish Government moving into Phase Three which will see pubs, restaurants, cinemas, schools and nurseries opening next month there seems to be no reason not to allow fans into outdoor arenas the following month for a maximum of two hours.
Celtic and the SRU have led dialogue with the SRU over the safe return of supporters with plans well advanced to adapt to the changing situation.
The Daily Mail reports:
Celtic are drawing plans to accommodate crowds of 30,000 at Parkhead by the end of August.
And the anticipated reduction of the two-metre rule by the Scottish Government could see the Scottish Rugby Union host Murrayfield gates of up to 34,000 by September.
The SPFL Premiership has scheduled a provisional kick-off date of August 1 for the new football season, with games set to begin behind closed doors.
Ahead of the Scottish Government the football authorities suspended fixtures on March 13 with the 2019/20 season formally called off in May.
The first two Champions League qualifiers will be played n August as one-off matches as UEFA looks to catch up with their showpiece events.
Being drawn at home will clearly give an advantage but having 30,000 fans will make a huge difference to Neil Lennon’s side as they attempt to reach the group phase for the first time in three years.
Reaching the group stage of the Champions League, which will start in October this season, could be worth over £30m to Celtic.
CLICK HERE for Champions League dates.
