Old Firm derby limited to 500 fans after Scottish government announcement

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 21 December 2021

The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers on January 2 will be played in front of just 500 supporters, following an announcement from the Scottish government to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed on Tuesday that all outdoor events in Scotland, including all levels of sport, will be limited to 500 people and these restrictions will come into effect on Boxing Day, lasting for a three-week period.

These new measures will mean that the Scottish Premiership fixtures scheduled on Boxing Day, Rangers' trip to Celtic Park, the Dundee derby at Dens Park on January 2 and the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road on January 3 will be "effectively spectator-free".

Speaking in Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said: "[These restrictions] will of course make sports matches, including football, effectively spectator-free over this three-week period.

"I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events and for the organisers of them."

"I want to underline why we think this difficult decision is necessary. We know that the much higher transmissibility of [the Omicron variant] means that large gatherings have the potential to become very rapid super-spreader events, putting large numbers at risk of getting infected very quickly.

"Limiting these events helps reduce the risk of widespread transmission. It also cuts down the transmission risks associated with travel to and from such events."

All Scottish Premiership players are now required to have daily COVID-19 tests and adhere to the necessary social distancing guidelines.

Three Scottish Premiership fixtures scheduled to take place on Wednesday – St Johnstone vs. Ross County, Hibernian vs. Aberdeen and St Mirren vs. Celtic – are all to go ahead with full capacity crowds; however, St Mirren have requested for their game to be postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Paisley.