Edinburgh Council gives permission for capacity crowds at Hearts and Hibs matches
We could be set for full houses at Easter Road and Tynecastle again
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
Hibs and Hearts have been given permission to host capacity crowds again, following the easing of Scotland's coronavirus restrictions.
From today, social distancing laws are no longer in force, meaning football clubs across the country have been seeking the go-ahead for more supporters to return.
Recent matches have seen fans distributed around Easter Road and Tynecastle in smaller numbers as a precaution against the spread of the illness.
Following recent talks between Edinburgh Council and the capital's biggest football clubs, officials have now confirmed there'll be no Covid-19 limits on numbers in the coming weeks.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: "We’ve been working very closely and productively with both clubs on over the last few weeks and months to help ensure fans can safely attend home games within the parameters of the public safety guidance.
"It’s great that we’re now in a position to have both stadiums back at full capacity as Covid restrictions ease.
"I’m sure fans of both teams will be hugely looking forward to hearing the roar of their home crowds after such a long time and it’s bound to give a real boost to the players themselves too.
Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: "This is great news for Hearts and Hibs fans who can get back to enjoying the football they love.
"Fans’ safety remains our number one priority and we’re delighted that with the easing of restrictions it’s now possible to welcome back the crowds at Easter Road and Tynecastle once again.
"We’ll keep things under review, as you’d expect, given the unpredictable nature of this pandemic, but for now we wish both clubs all the best with their return to capacity attendance."
Clubs in other parts of the country - including the Old Firm in Glasgow - have already been given permission to have full houses again.
What are the clubs saying?
Responding to the news, Ben Kensell, Hibernian Football Club Chief Executive, said: "We are all really delighted to be able to welcome back our supporters. It is what everyone has been waiting for.
"While those fans who have attended our recent games have created a terrific atmosphere to spur the team on, we are looking forward to hearing what a full stadium can do. We would like to thank City of Edinburgh Council for their support throughout these challenging times.
Andrew McKinlay, Heart of Midlothian Football Club Chief Executive, said: "We are thrilled that full capacity has been restored and would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their support.
"We really can’t wait to welcome our fantastic supporters back in numbers for the visit of Aberdeen on August 21st and look forward to hearing Tynecastle Park at full voice for the first time in 17 months."
How many will be allowed at the next few Hibs and Hearts games?
Hibs say they will have a 12,000 capacity for this weekend's Premier Sports Cup match against Kilmarnock - using only the East and West stands - to allow for work on other parts of the ground to be carried out.
Bosses say they hope to accommodate supporters in their usual seats by the home game against Livingston on August 28 - or the Europa Conference League play-off tie if they qualify.
Hearts meanwhile say some parts of Tynecastle will remain off-limits to supporters to allow for a bubble around players and officials.
But the club expects to be able to house every season ticket holder who wants to attend the game against Aberdeen on August 21.