St Johnstone's return to Europe could be moved away from McDiarmid
Discussions about a possible 'neutral' venue are beginning at the club as their likely opponents come from a red-list country
Last updated 22nd Jul 2021
St Johnstone's plans to pack out McDiarmid Park for the club's first tie back in Europe could be in doubt.
They may have to play their upcoming qualifier in a 'neutral' venue.
That's because their likely opponents, Galatasaray, are from a country currently on the UK Government's red list.
The club had hoped to get around 8,000 supporters into their Perth stadium for the return leg on 12 August, but had yet to receive official confirmation from relevant authorities.
Some football clubs are able to travel to red-list countries without having to self-isolate in a hotel upon return under the elite sports rule, which covers limited events such as the Euros.
It's not yet clear if St Johnstone would be allowed to do so. If they were there are a number of protocols which must be followed, and Tay News understands the club is leaning towards playing somewhere else, if PSV knocks out the Turkish side.
No concrete decision has yet been made.
Jamie Beatson from unofficial fans group We Are Perth believes the likelihood of playing Galatasaray, who were beaten 5-1 in a first leg tie yesterday, outside of the city, is tough to take.
"It would be a massive disappointment if it comes to that. We can only hope everyone involved does everything they can to get this game on at McDiarmid Park and get the fans in the doors for it," he said.
"Our team's had the most successful season in their history and we've not seen any of it. The atmosphere in that first game back, first big occasion, would just be electric.
"If we're not able to play this game at home we are guaranteed another tie in Europe (in the inaugural European Conference League) so we can maybe bank that atmosphere for later in August."
Galatasaray will play the second leg of their Champions League qualifier next Wednesday, when St Johnstone will know for sure who they're playing next month.
However UEFA regulations states clubs looking to submit a location for a 'neutral' venue for the upcoming Europa League 3rd round qualifiers must do so by this coming Monday.
It's not yet clear if any potential game held away from either club's home grounds would be held behind closed doors or not.
We've contacted UEFA for comment.