FANSTOLDTO OBEY RULES Calls for big match to be on terrestrialTV
Perthshire politicians are pleading with St Johnstone fans not to gather illegally to watch February’s Betfred Cup final. Saints will take on Livingston in the showpiece game at Hampden on February 28.
But, with COVID-19 restrictions meaning the game will be played behind closed doors, the only place to watch it will be on subscription channel Premier Sports.
That has prompted concerns fans may be tempted to meet up in houses to watch the match - breaking coronavirus rules which are unlikely to be lifted before the end of next month.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney and Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart have written to the chief executive of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Neil Doncaster raising concerns that the game will not be available to watch live on terrestrial TV.
Mr Swinney said: “Whilst in normal times fans could watch the game in person, or gather together at home or in pubs, they will sadly not be able to do so due
to current restrictions. As difficult as it may be, I would urge all fans to follow the existing guidelines that are in place.
“Whilst the match being made available to air for free would be fantastic, it would be crucial that any such agreement would not adversely affect the finances of the clubs involved.”
Mr Wishart added:“It is hugely exciting that St Johnstone are in the Scottish League Cup final and I know that fans will be excited to watch the match even if they cannot be at Hampden in person.
“At this difficult time we must continue to put public health first, and I am hopeful that St Johnstone will make many more finals in the years ahead that we can all enjoy in person.
“It would be great if as many people as possible could watch the match and if such an agreement could be reached then it would be welcome, but in these trying times for football clubs it’s really important that this does not come at the expense of agreed-upon TV money.”
Premier Sports bought rights to show Betfred Cup games in 2018, and was the only channel to show last week’s stunning 3-0 semi-final victory over Hibs.
However, a deal was struck with Celtic so the Parkhead club could broadcast their tie with Ross County to season ticket holders, despite the match being live on Premier Sports.
Football fan Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser would also like to see the game made available to more fans unable to attend the historic occasion. The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said:“I would support a call for the cup final to be shown on one of the terrestrial channels – that way more people could watch it.
“It may well be that supporters still can’t attend football matches when the cup final comes around, so it makes sense to screen it on the likes of either BBC Scotland or STV.
“Broadcasting the game on a channel where you have to pay will probably put many Saints fans off and seems unfair to a lot of supporters who will be desperate to watch their team.”