DUNFERMLINE are to play their next two home fixtures behind closed doors following discussions relating to limited crowds at matches.

And Kelty Hearts have said that capping attendances at a maximum of 500 over the next three weeks will result in "substantial" lost revenue.

Before the Press went to print yesterday (Wednesday), both clubs were working to respond to Tuesday’s announcement from the Scottish Government that only a maximum of 500 spectators, with one-metre distancing in place, would be admitted to outdoor events for up to three weeks.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that outdoor sports events would be “effectively spectator-free” during that time, in which tighter COVID-19 restrictions have also been placed on indoor events and the hospitality sector in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

The changes for football crowds come into effect from Boxing Day, when Dunfermline host Arbroath, and Kelty travel to Annan Athletic.

The Pars held discussions with their fellow Championship clubs and, in a statement released last night, they stated that their "preference had been to explore other options with our fellow clubs, such as a three week break, to give us the opportunity to get more people boosted with their third vaccination and potentially ensure more supporters would be able to attend the rescheduled fixtures", but the majority view of clubs was that matches should continue.

READ MORE: Pars to play Arbroath and Inverness behind closed doors

They said that the costs involved in hosting a reduced crowd, and the logistics of organising a ballot of season ticket holders before Boxing Day, had been major factors in their decision to play their next two home fixtures behind closed doors, the second of which takes place next Wednesday (December 29) against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Dunfermline said: "A restricted crowd of 500, which is also subject to a one metre social distance, is actually worse than a closed door event, as we will still carry a large number of our costs with no revenue in return.

"We will already lose thousands of pounds from pre orders we had to make for hospitality. It also creates potential division between supporters all of whom are understandably desperate to attend East End Park.

"Organising an opt in ballot at such short notice, during a national holiday is hugely complex.

"For all of the above reasons, we have had to make the very difficult decision to play our upcoming matches against Arbroath on 26th December, and Inverness on 29th December behind closed doors."

Outwith those two matches, Athletic go to Raith Rovers, then Greenock Morton, on January 2 and 8, before hosting Hamilton Academical on January 15.

Unbeaten League Two leaders Kelty, meanwhile, face a big Fife derby with Cowdenbeath on January 2, a trip to Stirling Albion on January 8, and a home clash with Edinburgh City on January 15, after their clash at Annan.

In a statement sent to the Press on Tuesday evening, Kelty – who are seven points clear at the top in their first SPFL season – said that lost income from their upcoming matches would hit the club hard.

“Today’s news comes as a huge blow to our club and our supporters,” the club said.

“There will be a huge financial hit to us, with a big local derby match against Cowdenbeath, and another home match with Edinburgh City, within the three-week restriction period.

“Lost revenue from gate money, our various matchday income streams and our hospitality will be substantial.

“As ever, Kelty Hearts Football Club, and all other football clubs, we’re sure will pivot and adapt to the restrictions to support and fight to mitigate the pandemic we are in.

“We shall communicate with our supporters soon on how we go forward for our matches in this three-week period.”

In response to the Scottish Government’s updated restrictions, the SFA/SPFL Coronavirus Joint Response Group (JRG) said they sympathised with clubs and supporters across the country and said that they were in discussions with the Scottish Government “to ensure any loss of income at this critical period will be compensated via the COVID-19 support fund announced by the First Minister”.

Rod Petrie, JRG chair, said: “The JRG exists to be the conduit between the national game and the Scottish Government throughout the pandemic and will continue to work with our members to ensure a seamless implementation of the new restrictions, whilst working on their behalf to ensure compensation for lost revenue via the UK and Scottish Government’s latest COVID relief fund.”

In the run-up to the Premiership’s winter break, from January 3, all clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two are also undertaking daily testing.