MSP calls on fines to boost minnows
TOP flight football clubs have been urged to donate their players’ Covid fines to support grassroots recovery efforts.
SNP MSP James Dornan said the “gesture” would recognise the positive impact football has on the country’s wellbeing.
There have been a small number of instances where players have breached Covid lockdown rules.
Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli was handed a three-game ban for breaching quarantine.
The defender was criticised after he travelled to Spain, failed to isolate and then played at Kilmarnock.
Aberdeen also reprimanded eight players who breached coronavirus rules in August by visiting a bar.
Both clubs fined the players and the Scottish Professional Football League also fined the clubs.
Dornan, who represents Glasgow Cathcart, has written to the chairs of all 12 SPFL clubs urging any fines paid to be diverted.
He has also pressed Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, for a similar initiative.
Dornan said: “Professional clubs across Scotland have worked tirelessly to support their communities throughout this pandemic, helping charities and local organisations reach those in need.”
He added: “There’s been some well publicised slip-ups and while I understand professional clubs will be tightening the purse strings, even modest sums of cash that may otherwise go on an end-ofseason night out could make a substantial impact for grassroots clubs.
“This voluntary measure would be a small gesture, helping us recognise the importance of community football and the positive impact our national game has on our wellbeing as we hopefully ease towards a greater sense of normality.”