SRU confirm fans can attend Edinburgh v Glasgow at Murrayfield on 28 August

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Celtic ParkImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Standing outside Celtic Park on a matchday is as close as Celtic fans have been able to get to their team

Fans will be allowed into Murrayfield for the Pro14 meeting of Glasgow and Edinburgh on 28 August.

The Scottish government has granted permission for the tie to be the first rugby match in the UK to host spectators since the Covid-19 lockdown.

Around 700 supporters are to be allowed in, with the figure being described as "a limited number" by the SRU.

Celtic are also hoping for their Scottish Premiership tie with Motherwell to be a test event for fans.

"We hope that our experience and learnings from a live spectator event next Friday can help all of Scottish sport, and the wider events industry restart," said SRU chief operating officer Dominic McKay.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon confirmed on Friday that the Scottish Premiership champions are "collaborating with the government" about using their next home game on 30 August as a trial.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Thursday that sports stadiums could reopen to fans on 14 September with a "limited number of spectators and with strict physical distancing in place".

She also raised the possibility of test events taking place before then.

"I'd imagine it would be a significantly low number coming in," said Lennon. "The protocols around the stadium are watertight.

"We are hoping that we can use next week as a trial basis and hopefully it will work and be beneficial going forward."

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: "The next crucial step will be allowing Scottish football fans back into games, based on the comprehensive range of safety measures which have been developed by clubs in close consultation with health experts.

"Discussions on pilot events at Premiership matches are now under way and everyone is determined, for the sake of the Scottish game as a whole, to ensure these go smoothly and safely."

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