ATHLETIC and Kelty Hearts have said that they will update their supporters on crowds at matches as soon as they can following new restrictions announced yesterday (Tuesday).

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that a capacity limit of 500 people - whether seated or standing - would be put in place from Boxing Day at outdoor events as part of new measures aimed at slowing the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Indoor standing and seating events are to be capped at 100 and 200 respectively as well within the new restrictions, which are to last for up to three weeks, and also include one metre physical distancing between groups of up to three households in all indoor and outdoor hospitality and leisure settings, table service in premises where alcohol is served, and the halting of adult non-professional contact sports indoors.

Ms Sturgeon said that outdoor sports events would be "effectively spectator-free" for that time period, which will see Dunfermline play five matches, and Kelty play four.

The Pars, who are hopeful of updating supporters further tomorrow (Thursday), host Arbroath on Boxing Day before tackling Inverness Caledonian Thistle at East End next Wednesday evening.

They then go to derby rivals Raith Rovers on January 2, and Greenock Morton on January 8, before taking on Hamilton Academical at home on January 15.

The club have said this morning that a "number of meetings" are planned today, including one of all Championship clubs, to discuss their "joint response to the environment in which we are now all operating".

Kelty, who are unbeaten and lead League Two, make the trip to Annan Athletic on Boxing Day before facing their own big Fife derby against Cowdenbeath, at New Central Park, on January 2, before going to Stirling Albion on January 8, and hosting Edinburgh City on January 15.

In a statement, the Pars said: "DAFC will update supporters regarding our fixtures against Arbroath, Inverness and Raith Rovers in due course.

"This has come after the Scottish Government announced that football will be played with limited spectators for an initial period of up to three weeks, starting on December 26.

"The Club is now waiting for guidance from the SPFL and the JRG regarding fixtures during that period.

"Once DAFC has that guidance, then supporters will be informed immediately via the Club’s various channels. In the meantime, please do not contact the Ticket Office.

"DAFC appreciates that there is a lot of uncertainty following the Scottish Government’s announcement but asks supporters to remain patient as the Club finds out further details."

In a statement on their website, Kelty Hearts said yesterday evening: "As many of you will now know, today (21/12/2021), new restrictions were put in place by the First Minister of Scotland.

"Kelty Hearts Football Club are currently conducting assessments on how these restrictions will impact the club on upcoming fixtures during this period of time. If you have already booked any of our hospitality packages that may be affected we will be in contact with you. We will be doing everything we can to keep you updated on options once we are in a position to do so.

"We would like to thank you for your patience and fully understand these restrictions may be frustrating to a number of you, however once we are in a position to update further we will do this as quickly as we can."

Clubs across the entire SPFL are undertaking daily testing until the top flight's winter break on January 3, while the SFA said that the Joint Response Group are in discussions with the Scottish Government in a bid to compensate clubs for lost revenue.