Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou has expressed his disappointment at the prospect of playing in front of just 500 fans, following the announcement from the Scottish government to combat the spread of coronavirus.
On Tuesday, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed that all outdoor events in Scotland, including all levels of sport, will be limited to 500 people, with these restrictions coming into effect on Boxing Day and lasting for a three-week period.
These new measures will mean that the Scottish Premiership fixtures scheduled on Boxing Day, as well as Celtic's home encounter with Old Firm rivals Rangers on January 2 will be "effectively spectator-free".
Speaking to reporters, Postecoglou said: "I don't like it, I don't like football played behind closed doors.
"I had pretty much a season of it in Japan and I just didn't enjoy it. To me it becomes a different game, it becomes a different environment even for the players.
"Of course my preference is to play with supporters in there even if it was a reduced capacity. But as with all these things we have to follow the guidance, we as a club just have to accept that and get on with it."
Celtic's trip to St Mirren on Wednesday night is scheduled to go ahead with a full capacity; however, the game is now in doubt after the home side requested for the fixture to be postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak in Paisley.
Reacting to the news of St Mirren's request, Postecoglou added: "I understand the question but we've got a game tomorrow night that's still undecided, your headspace stays with what we can deal with right now, not potentially what may or may not happen."
Celtic currently have no players to have tested positive for COVID-19, though David Turnbull, James Forrest and Kyogo Furuhashi will all have their injuries assessed ahead of kickoff.
Oliver Thomas
