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SPFL matches break 4 million attendance barrier as Neil Doncaster hails fans backing for clubs

Punters piled back into grounds last season after Covid restrictions on crowd numbers were lifted

Over 4 million fans attended SPFL matches last season
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 01: Rangers fans during a cinch Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on May 01, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

More than four million fans attended SPFL matches last season as punters piled into grounds after Covid restrictions were lifted.


Supporters were locked out for the entirety of the 202/21 season as Holyrood power brokers imposed strict measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus.


But the turnstiles were opened again last term, albeit with a 5,000 limit at the very start of the campaign.


The return to action was then halted again in December with attendances reduced to just 500 as the virus threatened to spread once again.

But 4,082,038 football hungry fans attended games across the Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two.

A further 383, 260 were there for Premier Sports Cup and SPFL Trust Trophy encounters, taking the match-going total to 4,465,298.

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League chief Neil Doncaster praised the backing of fans when clubs were in dire need of a cash boost following their spell playing to empty stands.

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“It is incredible that we’ve had over four million fans back in stadia, which underlines the central role which Scotland’s national sport plays in communities all over the country,” he said.

“It is hugely encouraging to see such impressive attendances across all four cinch SPFL divisions, especially given how tough much of the last two years has been for our members.

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“It is also a very timely financial boost for our 42 clubs, who played almost entirely behind closed doors during the 2020/21 season.

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“Attendances in Scottish football continue to greatly outperform other countries of a similar size, and this is a real credit to the loyalty of supporters across the country, as well as the hard work of our individual clubs.

“The clubs themselves served up hugely compelling and competitive league battles, and we are all looking forward to more of the same next season across all four cinch SPFL divisions.”

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SPFL League OneSPFL League TwoScottish ChampionshipScottish Professional Football LeagueNeil DoncasterScottish Premiership
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