Premier League stadiums are at full capacity while a short hop away Scottish grounds are limited to 500. Why the anomaly?
It is not the case that followers of Scottish football gaze enviously at the Premier League. Camera phones capturing goal celebrations and public investment funds bearing gifts mean Scots revel in their own authenticity. It may be thud and blunder but it is our thud and blunder.
Recent days, though, have seen wistful glances across the border. After Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, implemented a limit of 500 people at outdoor sporting events the Scottish Professional Football League’s board took the unusually smart decision to expedite their top-flight winter break. At what traditionally is a hectic, joyous time it was deemed better to close the gates. In a stark divergence between UK and Scottish policy, 52,178 watched Newcastle draw with Manchester United on Monday. Few face masks were seen. Leicester’s defeat of Liverpool had more than 30,000 in attendance. Presuming Burnley reach Old Trafford on Thursday, the crowds will likely top 70,000. If Celtic Park and Ibrox were open for business, 500 would be the cap. The same, that is, as East Fife’s Bayview.
