Stark warning from fans for the SPFL clubs
More than one in three Scottish football fans won’t buy a season ticket because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new report to Scottish football authorities has warned.
The report, written by the Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) and given to the SPFL and SFA, found there was “significant concerns” among fans over how they will watch the new season’s games, due to start within weeks.
The results of the survey, which polled over 1,400 supporters, found a third of fans would attend fewer live games than they did previously.
The surveyed fans cited health risks – inside stadiums and on public transport to get to the matches – as the main reasons they will stay away.
However, the survey also found a large number of fans (87.4%) said they would go and watch live games if the stadium capacity was reduced, and social distancing was in place.
A significant number (38.3%) stated that they are not comfortable buying season tickets without knowing what that season will look like when it happens.
The study also said 78.1% would pay to watch a closed-door game, but only 33.4% would buy a subscription for a live stream of games from their own club if it was priced at the same level as their season ticket.
Only one in five said they would pay for an equivalent service provided by the SPFL.
Andrew Smith, SFSA chairman, said: “Our findings have now been reported back to the SFA, SPFL and all of their 42 member clubs.
“We hope that they will listen to the supporters, and act in a responsible and sustainable nature in light of this information.
“We all know that the new season will be a tough time for clubs, and potentially losing between 20%-30% of their matchday income will be a big blow.
“Hopefully our survey –which is clearest insight into the current feelings of fans – will help clubs and governing bodies to plan accordingly.”
Earlier this year, it was revealed Scottish Premiership clubs earn a greater percentage of their income from ticket sales than any other top league in Europe.
The UEFA report means Scottish football could suffer disproportionately if fans stay away post-covid.