‘Foolish’ to leave Hampden
THE SFA would be “foolish” to abandon Hampden, according to a Scottish Government source.
Football’s national governing body is to decide this week between Hampden or Murrayfield.
The source said swapping Hampden for the home of rugby would be a “retrograde step” and would damage Glasgow’s economy.
LEAVING the home of Scottish Football at Hampden in favour of Murrayfield would be “foolish” and would be a step backwards, according to a government source.
SFA bosses are meeting this week to discuss bids from both Hampden Park and the Scottish Rugby Union to host Scottish international matches and cup finals and semi-finals.
A decision is expected within days on where the SFA will be based after 2020 when the Hampden lease runs out.
Glasgow City Council has backed the National Stadium remaining at Hampden while the Scottish Government has not expressed an official view on whether Glasgow or Edinburgh should host the prestigious and lucrative matches.
A source close to the Scottish Government however, has told the Evening Times it would be “short sighted” to move to Murrayfield.
The source said: “From a sporting perspective it is foolish for the SFA to give up the home of Scottish football.
“It would be better to create a vision for the home of Scottish football going forward. This is a short-term view of whether they should stay at Hampden.”
Moving to Edinburgh would see the Scottish Football Association paying the Scottish Rugby Union for the use of their stadium.
The source added: “Murrayfield will always be a rugby stadium and football will play second fiddle.
“At a time where we need to see more investment in football, the SFA will be potentially paying the SRU for Murrayfield.
“Remaining at Hampden means renewed investment in Scottish football, in development and facilities and future generations.
“The SFA need to think about the bigger strategic role here.”
The Evening Times Save the Hampden Roar campaign has highlighted how losing the stadium would also impact on Glasgow’s economy and its burgeoning role in international sport.
Business leaders in the city have warned it could cost jobs with loss of valuable income on match days.
The Government source agreed, adding: “Economically the loss of the stadium would be a matter of real concern. It would be a blow to the South Side of Glasgow and to Glasgow as a whole.
“Glasgow is also developing a reputation as a city capable of hosting major sporting events. The loss of this sporting infrastructure would undermine that reputation.”
The football bosses have been urged to think of the bigger picture when deciding this week.
More than 100 years of history are tied up in Hampden which is recognised all over the world. The source added: “It is important the SFA recognises this decision goes way beyond football and not consider it purely on the basis of what they think, in the short term, is in their interest. It can’t purely be a football matter alone.
“Coming out of Hampden I think it would be a retrograde step.”