FOOTIE ‘NEEDS FIGHTING FUND TO SAVE CLUBS’
Tory leader ref says Government has cash to help keep smaller sides afloat
THE SNP Government must stump up cash to stop football clubs going to the wall this winter, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross demanded yesterday.
He floated the idea of a “Fans’ Fighting Fund” which would see the Scottish Government match any cash supporters raise to save their clubs over the next six months.
The Moray MP is a professional football referee, and was a linesman at the Rangers vs Ross County match yesterday.
He said Ni cola Sturgeon’s government should use a share of the £97million allocated by Westminster to protect cultural industries during the pandemic.
Football revenues have taken a huge hit during the pandemic as fans have not been allowed to attend matches.
The lower leagues are still not back in action and lost ticket revenue has led to fears some clubs could close their doors forever by Christmas.
Ross made the move, echoing the call of Labour’s Richard Leonard, after an online meeting with a range of clubs last week.
He said: “On Friday, I spoke with representatives of 24 clubs across Scotland to hear about the perilous state of the game. Clubs told me they’re on the brink without paying punters in the stadium.
“I’ve taken away a range of issues I want to look at further but this initial suggestion could provide some immediate help.”
Ross’s plans are intended to help smaller clubs.
He said: “I’m proposing that we help clubs out, especially those smaller clubs embedded in communities, with a Fans’ Fighting Fund.
“I’d like to see the Government commit to matching what fans raise to keep their clubs alive.”
The plan would see fans’ contributions matched up to £50,000, providing clubs pay living wages to staff. Ross claimed the back-up cash is readily available.
He said: “The money from the UK Government is there. The SNP received £ 97million to protect culture venues from the impact of Covid and haven’t spent at least £10million of it.
“We all know in Scotland that football is our culture, even more than comedy clubs or theatres.
“As long as clubs commit to paying the living wage and those who can chip in too, this is a fair deal to support football.”
Last week, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard also urged the Government to find a pot of cash that could be used to save the grassroots game.
Leonard said: “Not only are many of these clubs historically the lifeblood of Scottish football in terms of producing some of the nation’s greatest ever players, they are also a vital part of the social fabric of our communities.”