Scottish football is set to return to normal with the scrapping of mandatory matchday red zones by the game’s Joint Response Group.
With the country’s vaccination programme now at an advanced stage, clubs will be permitted to relax rules on away fans, hospitality areas, training grounds and travel based on their own risk assessments.
Despite the lowering of government restrictions Scottish clubs were ordered to maintain social distancing protocols to avoid widespread outbreaks at clubs causing fixture chaos.
While clubs will continue to test players on a regular basis, the move is likely to see the return of away fans to Parkhead and Ibrox after Celtic and Rangers after red zones as a reason to rehouse home fans to areas traditionally occupied by away supporters.
Facing a lockout of fans for their trip Ibrox after the international break Hearts last week lodged a formal complaint with the SPFL after arguing the lockout breached league rules.
Scottish football will return to normal with away fans set to return to grounds after SPFL ruling
In a statement marking a return to normality after 18 months of disruption the Joint Response Group have confirmed changes to the Return to Play Protocols saying: ‘On August 9 this year, the legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings were removed as the country entered Level 0, resulting in clubs being able to play in front of more fans and, subject to local authority approval, at full capacity.
‘With the country’s vaccination programme now at an advanced stage, and citizens now familiar with the day-to-day baseline mitigation measures that remain in place (such as the mandatory use of face coverings in indoor public places and on public transport), the Joint Response Group believes it is now appropriate for clubs to make their own business decisions based on their own risk assessments.
‘This is in part due to the success of the national vaccination programme, but also in recognition of the expertise and experience of clubs in complying with the government’s existing guidance.
‘One key area for clubs to consider, based on their own risk assessment, is the continued adherence to protocols requiring physical distancing in all
