Aberdeen Football Club is today urging the Scottish Government, through the footballing authorities, to approve its plan for a game-by-game test approach which would see limited numbers of season ticket holders get back into Pittodrie over three games in late December and early January.

The application comes as a leading expert in epidemiology has endorsed the Club’s comprehensive plans and protocols. Professor Gary Macfarlane is Chair in Epidemiology at the University of Aberdeen. He is also the university’s Dean for Interdisciplinary Research and Research Impact and an honorary consultant in the Department of Public Health with NHS Grampian.

He said: “I have reviewed the impressively robust and detailed operational plans and protocols which AFC have developed. They fully take account of the measures which have been recommended by the Scottish Government to control the spread of the virus in such settings.”

“It is my view that the highly-regulated, outdoor environment at Pittodrie, tested with just over 2,000 fans socially distanced at two metres, would ensure that the risk to individuals is extremely low.”

Last week, when the Club announced its latest accounts and financial projections, it laid bare the consequences for next season if there is no clear plan towards a return of fans to stadia.

AFC is therefore submitting another request for a test game, this time with 1,000 fans (5% capacity) on 12 December. With the Scottish Government looking to move certain areas down the COVID-restriction tiers on 11^th of December, the Club is hoping it can welcome 1,000 fans back to watch the game against Ross County.

Based on the Club’s highly-regulated measures it is asking the Scottish Government to include these test events for regions in Tier 2, which allow for access to indoor shopping centres, gyms, trampolining, bingo halls and cinemas.

The plan would then be to secure approval for just over 2,000 fans at the Boxing Day game against St Johnstone and at the Dundee United game on 2^nd of January.

Rob Wicks, AFC’s commercial director said: “The knock-on impact into next season could be catastrophic financially for the Club and community projects if we cannot give our fans some glimmer of hope that they will be back watching games at Pittodrie soon.

“We would like to think that our plan for a modest, incremental increase in the number of fans able to attend matches would be approved by the authorities. With only three limited, but successful, Premiership trials with 300 fans to date, there’s a clear need and a desire among clubs to test their protocols and procedures with higher numbers, which, in the case of Pittodrie, is supported by the detailed independent review carried out by Professor Gary Macfarlane.

“While it does cost more to open Pittodrie for limited crowds, versus closed doors, we want to offer our fans some hope of getting back to football. Through our community outreach, we’ve spoken with over 16,000 fans in the last six months. Many are struggling with anxiety, loneliness and depression. Allowing our fans, many of whom live for the game, to gradually return safely to Pittodrie starting in December will bring them some welcome relief, joy and hope.”