Tartan Army ‘failed’ by Westminster over broadcast of Scotland games, says SNP

Westminster has “failed” Scotland fans by not ensuring the national team’s football matches are all shown on free-to-air TV, SNP depute leader Keith Brown has said.

While supporters will be able to watch Steve Clarke’s team take on hosts Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024 on STV on Friday night, qualifying games for the tournament were not screened on terrestrial channels.

Mr Brown said this contrasted with the situation elsewhere in the UK, with all the England and Wales games free to view for fans.

With laws over broadcasting reserved to Westminster, he said SNP MPs will push for “free access to our national sport” for all matches involving the men’s and women’s teams.

Mr Brown said: “Ensuring games remain behind extortionate paywalls, it’s crystal clear that Westminster has failed Scotland fans.

“The Scotland national team is the pride of the nation and this is an incredible time for our country – we’re all looking forward to watching them win the Euros later next month.

“The whole country will be able to enjoy Steve Clarke and his players taking to the field at Euro 2024 this summer, with every game on free-to-air TV.

“But the Tartan Army shouldn’t just get to watch these games for free – just like in England and Wales, all of our national team games including qualifiers should be free to view.

“Scotland supporters have been forced to shell out to watch the Scotland team on their journey to Germany.

“The SNP want to see free access to games into the future, with the next generation of John McGinns and Erin Cuthberts able to watch their heroes regardless of their household income, and be inspired to get their boots on and lead us to many more qualifications in the future.”

He said SNP MPs have “campaigned tirelessly for this” but have been “met with complete disinterest from Westminster”.

Mr Brown added: “Be in no doubt, SNP MPs will never tire of standing up for the Tartan Army and for free access to our national sport.”

It came after Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay said her party wants to show the red card to “money spinning channels” that charge fans to watch games.

Ms Mackay, her party’s health and sport spokeswoman, said “far too many” supporters were “priced out” of watching Scotland’s qualifiers.

She said: “Friday will be a huge day for the Tartan Army and for Scottish football. Steve Clarke and his players have done us all proud and brought so many people together from across our country.

“It is great that millions of us will have the chance to watch this historic game and get behind the team. I’m looking forward to watching it at home and I’m sure many others are counting down the hours.

“Young people should be able to watch, look up to and feel inspired by our players, but unfortunately, far too many were priced out of watching the qualifying stages by costly TV subscriptions and paywalls.

“With our team going from strength to strength, it’s more important than ever that people have the opportunity to watch our progress and build our beautiful game.

“It’s an open goal and will be a key manifesto call for us.

“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.

“I look forward to a day when we can all see our men’s and women’s teams in action without having to fork out for a subscription.”