Scottish Football to allow crowds to return after temporary measures

Crowds in Scotland can once again return to full capacity after the government lifted restrictions on gatherings for sports events.

The restrictions limited crowds to 500 people but from next Monday fans will be able to return in numbers to watch their team live.

The Scottish Premiership only played one round of games under the restrictions, then brought forward its winter break. The rearranged games will begin on Monday with Celtic v Hibernian.

There will however still be protocols in place for those attending matches, with first minister Nicola Sturgeon saying "Covid certification scheme will remain in place" but with "two important changes" for organisers of events.

"Firstly, our guidance will now stipulate that the organisers of large events of 1,000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees, rather than the current 20%, or at least 1,000 people - whichever figure is higher," Ms Sturgeon explained.

"And, second, from Monday the requirement to be 'fully vaccinated' for the purposes of Covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago.

"It will still be possible to gain admission to events and venues covered by the certification scheme by providing proof of a recent negative lateral flow test."