Greens call for Scottish football clubs to back £25 cap on away tickets
Greens call for Scottish football clubs to back £25 cap on away tickets
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay has written to all 42 chief executives of Scotland’s professional football clubs urging them to support a £25 cap on away ticket prices.
Gillian argues that rising costs are pricing families and working-class supporters out of the game, and creating a culture that could negatively impact the sport for generations to come.
Ticket price caps have been in effect in England and Wales for over a decade meaning travelling fans do not pay more than £30 for a ticket. Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to keep the £30 cap on away ticket prices for the 2025-26 season. Europa and Champions League matches also see price caps. Yet, no such cap exists in Scotland.
Gillian’s plea to club CEO’s follows her raising the issue directly with First Minister John Swinney at First Ministers Questions last week, where she called for action to ensure football remains affordable during the cost-of-living crisis.
Gillian said:
“Football is often the beating heart of our communities. It should not be a luxury that only a few can afford. For many families, a matchday is an ideal day out, and something to look forward to. Unfortunately, too many are having to scrimp and save just to get through the turnstiles.
“Between rising food, energy bills and rent, supporters are being squeezed from every direction. When away tickets cost £35, £40 or more, that can be the difference between going to the game or staying at home. That is not right, and it is not what football is supposed to be.
“Our Scottish clubs benefit from some of the most loyal fans anywhere in Europe and the world. Those supporters deserve fairness and a chance to follow their club across the country in return.
“That is why I am calling on clubs to show leadership and back a £25 cap on away tickets so that the game remains open and accessible in our communities. The Scottish Greens want to make it easier, not harder, for people to travel and support their team.”
Text of letter sent to 42 SPFL clubs
Dear XXX,
I’m writing to you today to discuss my proposal to cap away ticket prices for all Scottish league matches at £25.
As co-leader of the Scottish Greens and as an elected representative for the Central Scotland region, I fully understand the value football holds in this country, and the passion my constituents have for the game.
Throughout my time in office, I have worked alongside football fans and campaign groups to ensure that sport is accessible for all and that supporter voices are heard by decision makers and are amplified within our parliament.
Football is meant to be for everyone, but all over our country there are families being priced out of it. From expensive subscriptions to watch our national team to rising season ticket prices, fan loyalty is being stretched. This is coming at a time when living costs are soaring and many are struggling to make ends meet.
Football clubs, as an important pillar of the community and have a role to play in providing a vital outlet for local people. It’s the escapism that football brings that often gives people hope and optimism in a time of struggle.
Price caps have been commonplace in England for over a decade, ensuring that travelling fans do not pay more than £30 for a ticket.
There are also price caps on Europa and Champion’s League matches, yet no such cap exists in Scotland. Scottish fans already top the tables for attendance in Europe, and I strongly believe that with fairer ticket prices the numbers would be even higher.
Polling by IPSOS shows that 7 in 10 football fans believe traditional supporters are being priced out of the game. The same poll shows that 76% of football attendees believe there should be a cap on how much clubs can charge for tickets.
I would love for your club to be at the forefront of the calls for a price cap and I am urging you to support this campaign.
Football belongs to the communities that support it, and we need to make sure it is accessible to working families who’ve been the backbone of our game for generations.
I would be delighted to talk about this in more detail and I look forward to engaging with you going forward.
Gillian Mackay MSP
Scottish Greens co-leader
MSP for Central Scotland