CELTIC hope to be given the green light today to allow 18,000 fans into Parkhead for Tuesday’s Champions League second round qualifier against FC Midtjylland.
New chief executive Dominic McKay lodged a special request with the authorities requesting a section of the support to be given access following the government’s announcement that up to 2,000 followers can return from next week, as CQN reported earlier this week.
The Hoops supremo had hoped to be given an answer yesterday, but it is understood the club are being made to sweat over a definitive decision.
McKay is convinced thorough Covid provisions can be made in order to keep all fans safe, but there are growing concerns over what has been described as “a lack of guidance” from the Scottish government.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced new relaxations to the country’s restrictions, including the return of limited crowds with 2,000 due to witness Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge at Parkhead tomorrow in the friendly with Championship side Preston.
She stated that special applications could be made to increase capacity inside grounds.
However, it’s understood Holyrood bosses have now instructed that each application should be decided by relevant local authorities.
That means Celtic have been left waiting for the go-ahead from Glasgow City Council with the crucial tie due in five days’ time.
According to a report in the Daily Record, a source insisted: “The lack of guidance from the government when it comes to approving increased crowds has created a bit of a vacuum.
“Local authorities are nervous about being left to make the decision on their own so it’s no great surprise that Celtic are waiting longer than expected for an answer.”
