Nepal in bid for new UK Gurkha deal FANS AND EX-PLAYERS HAIL OUR CAMPAIGN WIN

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Nepal has demanded a review of a 72-year- old military deal which sees its citizens enlisted in the British Army.

The move comes as the UK tries to recruit Nepali women in the Brigade of Gurkhas for the first time in two centuries.

Britain has been enlisting Gurkhas, a tribe from Nepal’s Himalayan foothills known for their fierce combat abilities, since 1815.

An agreement between New Delhi, London and Kathmandu following India’s independence from colonial rule in 1947 allowed India and Britain to share and recruit Gurkhas.

Nepal now wants the deal renegotiated as it does not allow it to play any role in recruitment. A new agreement could also address Gurkha grievances such as pensions and other benefits, which are not on a par with those of British service personnel.

A Sunday Mail campaign which has brought international football to kids and over-65s for a fiver has been hailed by fans and former players.

The SFA announced last week that over- 65s can get the bargain tickets for the crucial Uefa Euro 2020 play- off semi-final against Israel in March.

The rock-bottom pricing has also been rolled out for young fans.

The move follows our successful campaign to persuade the game’s governing body to cut the cost for older supporters to go to Hampden and cheer on the national team.

Only an Excuse? star Tony Roper, 78, a life-long Scotland fan, said: “There’s nothing about that idea that is bad. Cheaper ticket prices wi l l boost the crowds – there’s no doubt about that.

“Any move which leads to fuller stadiums is to be welcomed. I know from my own acting experience there’s nothing better than walking out to a huge crowd. You perform better and I’m sure it’s the same for the players.”

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown, 79, who led the side between 1993 and 2001, also welcomed the announcement.

He said: “It’s wrong that elderly fans have been excluded from games in the past because of cost, particularly when these matches haven’t always been

Scottish football. The Sunday Mail campaign was given a lot of support and it ’ s f inal ly paid off.

“The SFA mus t a lso be cong r a tul a t e d on f ina l ly responding to the demand for reduced prices for elderly fans.

“The most important thing is that we have a full house in March so fans of all ages can cheer Scotland to victory.

“The discounts to the elderly

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should also be extended to future Scotland games.”

The crunch fixture against Israel gives Steve Clarke’s squad the chance to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998.