Sturgeon wants an Old Firm free- for- all

First Minister asks Sky to adjust derby coverage to combat spread of Covid

NICOLA STURGEON has urged Sky Sports to make tomorrow’s Old Firm derby free to view in order to curb the spread of Covid- 19.

SNP MP Jeane Freeman raised the prospect during a virtual session of parliament yesterday afternoon, asking the First Minister if she agreed that the broadcaster should make the match freely available “to remove any motivation for people to gather in each other’s houses to watch”. Ms Sturgeon said she “strongly endorsed” the idea, adding that it would be “enabling people to watch the match in the comfort and the safety of their own home, and reduce the temptation of people who don’t have access to paytoview services might have to go and watch the match somewhere else”.

The First Minister concluded: “If anybody from Sky Sports is listening, I would encourage you to think about making the match free to view this weekend.”

Sky Sports hold the rights to the fixture and non- subscribers can purchase a day pass from streaming service Now TV for £ 10.

Meanwhile, SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster has also urged supporters not to leave home for the first meeting of the two rivals this season and warned those looking for loopholes that they could face “significant fines”.

He said: “Given the very clear evidence that household mixing brings the highest risk of spreading the infection, we are urging supporters not to congregate in houses to watch matches. They put themselves and their loved ones at significantly increased risk.

“Fans should also be aware that travelling from the Central Belt health board areas covered by current additional measures to other areas in Scotland to watch games in licensed premises is a clear breach of the guidelines.

“Likewise, we echo the message from police forces in England that attempting to circumvent Scottish rules by travelling south of the border to watch matches in pubs would be completely irresponsible and could result in significant fines.

“With such a high- profile round of fixtures ahead, the eyes of the world will be on Scottish football, offering a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes our game so compelling and exciting.

“However, it’s now more important than ever that all supporters continue to stick rigidly to the latest Government guidance, as well as any specific local restrictions that are in place.”