Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes reckons Dave Cormack is within his rights to fight for Dons fans to get back to Pittodrie.
Cormack revealed on Sunday night the Scottish Government had rejected the club’s plan for 1,000 supporters to be allowed into their home game with Celtic this weekend.
That total would account for around five per cent of Pittodrie’s total capacity. The Dons were one of two clubs to hold test events for 300 people last month, with supporters admitted for the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock. Ross County also held one for their home game against Celtic in Dingwall.
Dons chairman Cormack stated the club received a “polite no” from the government and national clinical director Jason Leitch, despite their proposal having backing from Aberdeen City Council. Cormack hopes to share the regulations with fans later this week and added that many are eagerly awaiting what plan the Scottish Government has for fans to return.
McInnes, speaking ahead of tonight’s home game against Hamilton Accies, warned of dire consequences should some ground not be made on letting fans back into football grounds.
He said: “The club has been working hard in the background to be on the front foot, in trying to give the supporters encouragement. The consequences if we don’t get supporters in, for our club, are dire.
“I think it’s important we have that leadership to reiterate that message that we need supporters back.
“We have a plan in place and we have done for some time now, for 1,000 supporters. It was September 12 for the test event and we’re well on into October now. We’re just looking for a wee bit of a plan and information for when that next can be.
2/ @jasonleitch told SPFL execs that outdoor events like football were much more palatable than indoor events. Meanwhile flights are at 100% capacity with recycled air & no social distancing. Hundreds of thousands of fans eagerly await Clubs & @scotgov coming up with a real plan.
— Dave Cormack (@CormackDavie) October 18, 2020
“We’re also mindful of the situation across the country and it’s understandable, maybe, that the plan has been rejected for this weekend.
“The chairman is quite within his rights to be on the front foot and find out what is the plan, what encouragement can we get for supporters and as a club, can we start to budget and plan financially for what we can do. There’s so much uncertainty at the minute and football is a part of that.”