The Scottish Government has been criticised after spectators were banned from an athletics event in Glasgow over Covid fears.

No crowd will be allowed at Scotstoun Stadium for the Glasgow Athletics Association (GAA) Sprint Gala on Wednesday, despite thousands of supporters being able to attend Euro 2020 football matches at Hampden last month.

In a statement posted on social media, GAA explained that Glasgow Life – the charity that delivers cultural, sporting and learning activities on behalf of Glasgow City Council – had classified the entire Scotstoun Athletics Campus as a “stadium”, meaning no spectators can be admitted.

Glasgow Life has said it is following Scottish Government guidelines on Covid-19 regarding social distancing and hygiene measures.

However, the decision to tell spectators to stay away has sparked a row over the current rules over who can attend sporting events.

The GAA statement said: “While we don’t necessarily agree with some of the specific restrictions, these conditions have been developed by the powers that be to allow us to run a safe event and we will respect all measures required to bring GAA Athletics back.”

Among those left disappointed by the decision to prevent spectators from attending Wednesday’s event is Suzie Taylor, who posted this response to the GAA statement: “What message are we sending our kids who can see the crowds at football stadiums yet can’t share an amazing, healthy personal experience and achievement with their family?”

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “All sporting activity at Glasgow Life venues is taking place by adhering to the current Scottish Government guidelines on Covid-19 regarding social distancing and hygiene measures.”