A FULL crowd be allowed to watch Alloa Athletic’s Scottish Cup match with Celtic later this month.

Restrictions imposed due to the increase of Covid-19 positive cases as a result of the Omicron variant saw First Minister Nicola Sturgeon impose a limit of 500 spectators on Scottish football matches.

However, Ms Sturgeon confirmed today, Tuesday, January 11 that the limit will be removed on Monday, January 17 – just in time for the Scottish Cup tie on Saturday, January 22.

The First Minister said: “We will begin to lift the protective measures announced before Christmas from Monday – but in a phased way that will allow us to form in the days ahead a clearer picture of the trends in infections and associated impacts.

“The measures I am specifically referring to here are limits on attendances at live public events.

“I can confirm today that the attendance limit of 500 at large scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, January 17.”

The lifting of restrictions means a full crowd will be permitted at the Indodrill Stadium when Celtic visit later this month.

New guidance will be put into practice by the Scottish Government including organisers of large events of 1,000 or more people checking the certification status of at least 50 per cent of attendees.

Also anyone who had their second vaccine more than four months ago must now also have proof of having the booster.

Alloa secured their passage into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup with a 5-0 demolition of Bonnyrigg Rose.

The club are without a league win since October 30 and face Queen’s Park in cinch League One this weekend before the Scottish Cup tie.