Labour urged to give Scotland the gift of Football this Christmas
Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who has led a campaign to get all of Scotland’s national football games on free-to-view TV has urged the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, to work with her to deliver on the call.
Ms Mckay’s long-running campaign to end the reliance on subscription streaming services or pay-to-view channels has been backed by MPs, MSPs and supporters across Scotland.
Mr Murray has previously indicated support for putting Scotland’s international matches on free-to-view TV. In 2016 he told the media “I fully appreciate that terrestrial television can’t compete with the vast sums of money on offer from the likes of BT and Sky but I’m sure some accommodation could be made to ensure everyone can share in Scottish international sporting events.”
In a letter to the Secretary of State, Ms Mackay has urged him to meet with campaigners, the Scottish Football Association and broadcasters to help make football for all a reality.
Ms Mackay said: “Increasingly, fans are being priced out of our game. From the extortionate ticket prices on the gate to the endless costly streaming services to watch at home. Something needs to change.
“I am glad that so many people have joined me in calling for Scotland’s international games to be shown live on free-to-view TV. Sport is meant to be for everyone, and this is the most effective way to ensure Scotland’s next generation of footballers can feel inspired to dream of playing for their country.
“We have seen that in the rise of women’s football. The regular TV slots have helped to make it a regular fixture for lots of women, girls and families, and has encouraged them to take up the sport, and support their local teams.
“By listing Scotland National Team games as ‘national events’ in the same way that we do with the Euros and Scottish Cup Final, we could allow public broadcasters to share the rights alongside private companies such as Sky, TNT and Premier Sport.
“I hope that the Secretary of State will join this campaign and use the power and influence he has to give Scottish fans the gift of football, and make our most iconic game accessible for all, not just for those that can afford it.”
Letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland:
Dear Secretary of State,
I am writing to you today to discuss our national football team and our shared desire for everyone in Scotland to be able to view all competitive games on terrestrial television.
When Scotland games are free-to-view they become bigger events for families across our country. Our national team is for all of us. At its best, sport is a cause of unity and pride, and brings people together like nothing else. We lose that opportunity for unity when we put up barriers.
As you rightly highlighted when serving in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet back in 2016, “I fully appreciate that terrestrial television can’t compete with the vast sums of money on offer from the likes of BT and Sky but I’m sure some accommodation could be made to ensure everyone can share in Scottish international sporting events.”
I share these views and agree with your sentiment that such a compromise proposal would allow the BBC, STV and Sky to share the rights when a decision is made on the broadcasting contract for Scotland’s international football matches by European football’s governing body, UEFA. As you are aware, a similar arrangement is in place for other “listed” sporting events such as the Olympics, World Cup, European Championships and the FA and Scottish Cup Finals.
By broadcasting matches on television for free we can inspire future generations to watch their team and dream of playing at Hampden. How can we expect children to want to follow in the footsteps of our players if they don’t have the opportunity to see them play?
I hope that you will work with the SFA and broadcasters to ensure that Scotland’s football matches are always put on free-to-air channels, so that more people can watch them and join the Tartan Army in supporting our national side. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this in more detail in early 2025.
Kind regards,
Gillian Mackay MSP
Scottish Greens, Central Scotland