British football fans to be allowed back into stadiums from September 14 with Covid-19 tests to take place in Scotland

SCOTTISH football fans could be allowed to return to stadiums from SEPTEMBER.

Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to reopen stadiums for a limited number of spectators from September 14 at today's daily briefing.

And Scotland's First Minister said some professional sports events may even be tested before then.

Sturgeon said: "We hope that sports stadia will be able to open from that day with limited numbers of spectators albeit with physical distancing in place.

"Some professional sports events may be arranged for spectators before then with Scottish government agreement to test the safety of any new arrangements."

Fans of English clubs still await news of when they will be allowed back in to watch their teams - although some teams including West Ham have started selling season tickets already regardless.

The news will be hugely welcomed by SPFL clubs across Scotland, who rely heavily on gate receipts as a means to survive.

The Scottish Premiership campaign will kick off behind closed doors this weekend as coronavirus restrictions remain in place, while Scotland's lower leagues start on October 17.

The first Old Firm game between Celtic and Rangers is scheduled to take place at Celtic Park on the same day, with SPFL chief exec Neil Doncaster hopeful fans will be able to attend.

Speaking earlier this month, the Hampden supremo expressed his belief that a crowd would be there - and that now looks a real possibility.

He said at the time: “We certainly hope so [that fans will be able to attend].

“We are working with the Scottish Government on hopefully getting fans in as soon as safely possible.

“We have been starved of football for four months and we have seen leagues across Europe returning, in some cases with quite a few fans inside the stadium."