11 days until we gather with our 4 Japanese friends

Amid the easing of restrictions announced by the First Minister yesterday, there was no update on the limit for outdoor sports gatherings, currently set at 500.  The suggestion by Scottish Rugby, that they could move next month’s Calcutta Cup game from Murrayfield to Newcastle, prompted a private briefing that let it be known this ruling would expire to permit rugby (and football) to return to full crowds on 17 January.  The Edinburgh political/rugby types were relieved.

Given other changes announced yesterday, that positive LFTs should no longer go for a PCR test, it is guaranteed that infection rates recorded (as opposed to actual infection rates) will now drop, providing some credible-looking justification for the decision to loosen restrictions.

That means you, me and four of our Japanese friends will almost certainly gather at Celtic Park in 11 days to face Hibernian, although we will have to wait for a First Minister’s podium appearance next week for confirmation.

Planning anything for the last two years has been a lottery, but should this come to pass, the SPFL clearly chose the correct path in bringing forward the winter break.  I am sure both clubs opposed to the move will commend the League on their foresight.