Scotland games on free-to-air TV a ‘Great result for fans’
The Scottish Greens have hailed news that the Scotland Men's National Football Team games are set to return to free-to-air TV, with the BBC agreeing a deal to become the main broadcaster of matches.
According to reports, the BBC has secured broadcasting rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The negotiations follow the withdrawal of private online broadcaster Viaplay.
A campaign led by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay to bring back free-to-view football received nearly 10,000 signatures. Ms Mackay also raised it with BBC Scotland's Chief Executive in a Parliamentary evidence session.
Ms Mackay said:
“This is a great result and will be celebrated by fans all across Scotland. I am delighted that we will finally be able to watch the run up to the next world cup on free-to-view telly.
“The Scottish Greens have joined supporters groups in calling for this for years, with thousands of people signing our petition and urging the BBC to take over the contract.
“It’s a really important day for our national sport. Football should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford to enjoy it from behind a costly paywall.
“Ticket prices are skyrocketing and simply getting to the ground is now out of budget for many. I hope that fans and families across our country will now have the option of watching our national team from home.
“At its best, sport brings communities and families together like nothing else. I hope that free-to-view TV can become a permanent fixture and that young people will be able to grow up watching their heroes in action for years to come.”