Fans flag up their role in survival fight
The Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) is behind the joint decision of the SFA and SPFL to suspend the season.
But they have aired their concerns over the implications of that for club’s futures.
They say Premiership clubs rely on gate receipts for an average of 43% of their annual income, a figure that increases down the divisions, hence their concerns at the lockdown.
A statement read: “Like all supporters, we are incredibly disappointed that this measure has had to be taken.
“However, some things are more important than football and the freeing up of our ambulance and police services for the protection of life is clearly of greater priority.
“Scottish Premiership clubs on average rely on gate receipts for 43% of their annual revenue, with this figure increasing the further down the divisions you look.
“If anything, this highlights the importance of the ordinary supporter to the survival of our clubs.
“With the suspension of matches, clubs will therefore lose a significant portion of the income on which they so heavily depend.
“This will undoubtedly cause great financial strain on many of our clubs.
“The contribution that our clubs make to our local communities cannot be underestimated.
“Even smaller clubs such as Spartans contributing over £5.2 million per year to their surrounding area through social, health and economic benefits.
“Given our importance to the clubs we support, and their importance in our communities, it is vital that in the testing times to come we stand together and work to protect our clubs in any waywecan.
“The SFSA will continue to work with the Scottish Government, supporters groups, clubs and governing bodies to ensure that everything possible is being done to support the whole of Scottish football.”