The first Old Firm match of the season is now expected to go ahead as planned, despite Nicola Sturgeon bringing in further coronavirus restrictions across Scotland.

Fears were raised this morning as reports suggested the Celtic vs Rangers clash may have to be postponed due to government ruling.

But it is now understood that the match will go ahead as planned, but with no supporters in attendance.

Fans are unlikely to return to Scottish sports grounds in the near future, following an announcement by the First Minister.

An indicative date of October 5 had been earmarked for the start of a phased reintroduction, with that having already been pushed back by three weeks.

After announcing new restrictions on hospitality and household interaction, Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament: “It’s important that I indicate, in light of the current situation, that the route map changes with an indicative date of October 5, are unlikely now to go ahead on that time scale.”

Sturgeon addressed talk of restrictions being in place for six months following earlier announcements from the UK Government.

“It is certainly the case that, until significant developments such as a vaccine change the game in the battle against Covid, it will have a continuing impact on people’s lives,” she said.

“But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all of the new restrictions I am announcing will be in place for six months.

“By acting early and substantially, our hope is that these new measures will be in place for a shorter period than would be the case if we waited longer to act.

“In the first instance we will review these measures in three weeks, although given the nature of this virus, it is important to be clear that they may be needed for longer than that.”