Is it time to bring booze back into football grounds?

BOOZE could soon be back at football grounds across Scotland – 40 years after a ban was imposed because of shameful scenes at an Old Firm Scottish Cup final.

The Scottish FA, the Scottish Government and Police Scotland have held talks over the possibility of using Euro 2020 finals matches at Hampden Park as a test bed for the plan.

The talks came after football’s European governing body, Uefa, changed their stance over allowing alcohol at the showpiece finals, which will take place across 12 cities.

If change comes, it would mark an end to a ban imposed following the notorious 1980 final, when Celtic and Rangers fans clashed on the Hampden Park pitch after Celtic won the match 1-0 in extra time.

BBC commentator Archie MacPherson said at the time: “This is like a scene out of Apocalypse Now.

“We’ve got the equivalent of Passchendaele and that says nothing for Scottish football.”

As things stand, Hampden Park, which is hosting three Euro 2020 group matches and a last-16 tie, will be the only venue at the tournament where alcohol cannot be served to supporters.

Campaigners have long called for the reintroduction of alcohol at football, which they say would allow fans to have a couple of drinks while enjoying the match.

They point to rugby, where supporters can routinely buy a pint while watching their sport.

Rugby has had a renaissance in recent years, with crowds up across the main leagues and at international matches.

In a 2014 Daily Record poll, 83 per cent of football fans said they wanted the ban lifted. That year, a Supporters Direct Scotland poll saw 62 per cent of fans calling for the ban to end.

Alcohol can currently only be served in corporate hospitality areas and any change would need a law to be passed by the Scottish Parliament.

England suffered its own hooligan problem in the 80s but today, alcohol is available at games in areas where the pitch cannot be seen.

That means it is sold from booths before the match and at half-time, with fans not allowed to drink in their match seats.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said his force would discuss a change but the Scottish Police Federation, who represent rank and file officers, are opposed.

ACC Higgins, who sits on the Euro 2020 organising committee, said: “I’ve previously said Police Scotland would be open to a discussion in respect of this, but only after a full widespread public consultation has been undertaken which shows that this is something that the people of Scotland have an appetite for.”

Andrew Niven, Scotland’s Euro 2020 project leader, said: “For alcohol to be served at the Euro 2020 matches hosted at Hampden Park, it would require legislative change in Scotland.

“While we are open to exploring this, further discussions would be required with the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other stakeholders.”