Greens bring vote on call for £25 football ticket cap
The proposal, which will be voted on as part of a Scottish Government debate on the Summer of Sport, has been backed by fan groups across Scotland.
A cap has been in place in England for over a decade and means travelling fans do not pay more than £30 for a ticket. There are also price caps on Europa and Champion’s League matches. No such cap exists in Scotland.
If MSPs back calls it would be an important step in urging football clubs to act and in helping to ensure that Scottish football is accessible to more people and families in the aftermath of the World Cup.
Scottish Green Co-leader Gillian Mackay said:
“Today’s vote is about recognising that football is nothing without fans.
“Over the weeks ahead, millions of us will be staying up late, glued to our screens and cheering on the Scotland men’s team at their first World Cup in decades.
“I want that excitement to last beyond this tournament and help drive a new era for Scottish football at all levels.
“Yet there are far too many supporters being priced out of the game they care so much about. As the cost of living rises, following your team is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
“Travelling fans and families are being hit particularly hard with soaring ticket prices on top of travel costs and other matchday expenses.
“I’m calling on MSPs from every party to back a price cap of £25 and work with supporters and clubs to make football more affordable.
“Away ticket caps are already standard in European competitions and have been in place in the English Premier League for years. They reduce costs and have strong backing from fan groups across Scotland.
“Supporters of every club are feeling the pressure. It’s time politicians listened and helped make fairer ticket prices a reality.”