Douglas Ross says vaccination programme means fans must be let into Hampden for Euros

Glasgow is one of 12 host cities UEFA are said to be considering moving away from if the stadium says empty.

The Moray MP said: “I believe that the Tartan Army must be allowed into Hampden for the Euros. The time for SNP dithering is over.

“Around 2.5 million Scots have been vaccinated thanks to our amazing NHS and the UK’s world-beating vaccination programme.

“All our sacrifices have helped to suppress the virus and it would be unfortunate if the Scottish Government made a wrong call on this.

“I have always said that public health is paramount, but there is the risk of being too cautious here. This is a time for optimism.

“We have seen other countries allowing fans into sports venues in a safe and responsible manner. We can do the same, at the right capacity to ensure fans are not put at risk.

“To play to empty seats would be terrible, but to lose these fixtures entirely would be a real body blow to fans and the wider Scottish public.

“It has been 23 years since our men’s team reached a major finals and for games to be played here in Scotland is thrilling – so let’s make sure the some of the Tartan Army can play their part by roaring the team on to success.”

Earlier this week Scotland goal hero John McGinn also urged Ms Sturgeon to allow fans inside Hampden this summer.

The Aston Villa star said: “We’ll do our best as players to stay fit and play well, then it’s the supporters job – and everyone in Scotland – to stay on their best behaviour.

“Then hopefully Ms Sturgeon can allow a few fans in here in the summer.”

The assistant referee wants Hampden to enjoy its planned fixtures of Scotland v the Czech Republic on June 14 and Croatia v Scotland on June 22.

UEFA have set a deadline of April 7 for host cities to submit plans.

Earlier this week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted it was "possible" large crowds could be allowed into Hampden for the football tournament.

When asked about Mr Ross’s comments on Friday, she said: "I desperately want to see fans back in football stadiums, and fans back in other sporting stadiums, and people back at concerts.

"I'm optimistic we will see fans in some kind of numbers back in time for the Euros, so the Tartan Army in some degree can be supporting Scotland at Hampden.

"There’s no difference between Douglas Ross and me in terms of what we want to happen. The difference is I don’t think we can decide today that something that far in the future is definitely guaranteed.

"We have to take responsible and cautious decisions. We need to get out of this lockdown in the phased way as planned, and if all goes well then it’s realistic, but we have to keep our eye on the ball.

"The worst thing to do now is chuck caution to the wind and go backwards.

"France right now is a very cautionary tale in terms of what happens when you get these decisions out of sync."

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