IRVINE Meadow co-boss Colin Spence says he “cannot for the life of him” understand why fans are not allowed back into grounds in Scotland in a safe manner.

The call comes ahead of this Saturday’s derby game against Kilwinning Rangers at Meadow Park which will have one big absence as supporters continue to be frozen out of stadiums in Scotland despite a limited number of fans being allowed to attend matches in England.

Meadow go into the derby off the back of a goalless draw with Beith and are two points behind the Buffs but have a game in hand. Spence told the Times: “Meadow v the Buffs is always the big one for the fans. It’s going to be a big build-up and we will get the guys fired up but it’s only three points.

“If we beat them we go above them in the table and it will keep us towards the top which is our only focus.

“We will keep all the derby stuff under wraps but the guys know what’s at stake and the bragging rights that comes with beating your rivals but we will just focus on turning up and getting the points.

“It’s brilliant when you look down at England and they have fans back and you can see the difference it makes. I cannot for the life of me understand why we cannot do that here especially when it’s open air terraced. It could be easily done.

“Clubs are spray painting spots, so it is easy to social distance as you stand on the spot. We already have one-way systems, people could arrive early and it could be done so easily and it would add spice.

“Players want to play in front of fans. The build up to this game has already started among fans on social media and it all adds to the excitement. It’s just a shame supporters cannot be in and get the banter going.

“It brings the best out of the players too when you have 300-400 fans cheering you along or getting abuse. It always brought the best out of me when I was a player.

“You see the queues across the country for Christmas shopping and there is no social distancing so why we cannot get fans in I do not know.

“The government need to help us out. If England can do it, why can’t we do it?”