Wearing a mask could speed up Scottish football's return

Botafogo’s Keisuke Honda enters the field of play in Brazil last month wearing a mask, just as the coronavirus pandemic was beginning to escalate

Scottish players may have to wear face masks when football resumes after UEFA’s new virologist advisor suggested they could be used as a way of getting the sport restarted quicker.

With players across Europe back in some form of training, several leagues have indicated they want the green light to resume their season as soon as possible, after the coronavirus halted football across the world.

The Scottish lower leagues have ended and it’s expected Celtic will be crowned Premiership champions this week after UEFA’s Executive Committee holds a conference call with their 55 nations members.

European football’s governing body hired world-renowned Belgian virologist, Marc Van Ranst, last week as an advisor to help them deal with the crisis.

And he’s suggested that football could restart quicker if the players wear face masks during games.

Van Ranst explained: “In my opinion, it is not possible to go back to playing football as long as social distancing is mandatory.

“And players will also all need to be tested before any competition resumes.

“But I would offer up an alternative suggestion of players wearing face masks during the game, which might speed up football’s return.

“In the sports of American Football and cycling, you already get sportsmen wearing them during their game or event. They are comfortable.

“If it’s possible for them, why not for footballers?”