Welsh Behind Closed Doors decision looks ominous ahead of Holyrood announcement for January 2 derby match

With Nicola Sturgeon set to address MSP’s this afternoon an ominous warning for sports fans has arrived from Wales.

The Scottish and Welsh Government’s have been closely aligned throughout the pandemic, making tougher restrictions than the Westminster Government who seem afraid to bring in any restrictions ahead of Christmas Day.

Yesterday the Welsh Government announced new restrictions which includes sports events being played Behind Closed Doors from December 26.

The SPFL Premiership has a natural break occurring between January 3 and the weekend of January 22 but if pubs and restaurants face closure or tight restrictions it is unlikely that the Scottish Government will allow capacity crowds to attend the Glasgow and Edinburgh derbies on January 2 and 3.

It seems that the lack of UK Government financial support has held back further closures and restrictions but the hospitality sector has been badly hit over the last two weekends.

All will be revealed early this afternoon with Celtic hosting Hibs on December 29 and the Glasgow derby on January 2.

Playing the derby matches Behind Closed Doors will lead to more household mixing to watch on television, ahead of the League Cup Final on Sunday Jason Leitch expressed his concern about fans travelling together to Hampden.