The SFA vice-president Mike Mulraney called the decision not to allow football fans back into stadiums “political and not clinical” and that it would be “foolhardy to assume some clubs won’t go bust”
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster who was also on the programme agreed with Mulraney.
Scotland’s clinical medical director Jason Leitch disagreed and said: “It is absolutely not a political decision, incorrect. It is a choice made by clinicians and decision makers. You simply can’t open everything, everybody who isn’t open will want it to reopen and who can blame them.
“No country is back to normal, so therefore there are choices based on clinical risk and decision making, and the decision makers have to choice inside a whole complex of clinical advice, economical advice, social advice about what you can and can’t open. These are tough choices but the world cannot yet go back to normal.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recognise this has been an enormously challenging time for football and other spectator sports and we appreciate the support of supporters, clubs and authorities over recent months to help us tackle the virus.
“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the governing bodies of Scottish football to ensure its long-term sustainability. We are also awaiting clarity on whether there will be consequentials arising from UK Government funding.
“This sport has a significant economic impact, but importantly it also brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don’t want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary.
“However, as the First Minister has said, the virus has not gone away and we all need to keep working to protect the NHS and public services, and help keep people safe. If cases continue to rise, be in no doubt, there will be further deaths due to COVID-19. We must do all we can to prevent that.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
