Scotland football matches should be free to view, not behind a paywall
The SFA and broadcasters should put fans before profit and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ever official Scotland v England clash by booting paid for TV games into touch for good, say the Scottish Greens.
The party is calling on the Scottish Football Association and broadcasters to work together as a team on tactics that would deliver a winning result by ensuring all Scotland fans can watch both the men's and women's team on free-to-view television.
It comes as Scotland marks the 150th anniversary of the first ever men’s international match, which took place in Glasgow, on 30th November 1872 between Scotland and England.
Gillian Mackay MSP, health and sports spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
“It is 150 years since the Tartan Army saw Scotland and England playing each other in the first ever international match - a spectator sport now enjoyed by millions across the world.
“The results haven’t always been perfect, but there has been no shortage of passion and memorable moments.
“But today attending games has become hugely expensive, particularly for families, and, with far too many of our matches hidden and locked away behind expensive paywalls, they have become utterly inaccessible for lots of children and families.
“Our national team must be for all of us. We want all young people to be able to look up to our athletes and stars. But that can only happen if they are able to see them in action, something behind denied to them because of cost.
“That is why I am urging the SFA to work with broadcasters to allow more fans to watch all Scotland games, including both the men's team and the women's team, without having to pay for an expensive subscription.
“I hope that the next 150 years are proud ones for Scottish football, and that we can introduce whole new generations to international football.”