Glasgow MP calls on UK to back football
AGLASGOW MP has raised concerns around the economic impact the loss of football games will have on Scottish communities.
At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Football Association ( SFA) announced that the season would not continue because of the outbreak.
Football finance specialists previously warned of the monetary loss that clubs across the country could face – with some predicting job losses and even the closure of small clubs.
Glasgow East MP David Linden is now calling on the UK Government to commit to further support for football clubs in Scotland as he recognises “first- hand how much a football club can enrich the local economy”.
The SFA and the Scottish Professional Football League Joint Response Group have held a series of meetings to discuss the effect of the pandemic on the sector.
Clubs across Scotland have been asked to provide financial information on how long they could expect to operate without financial assistance. Pressing the Government in the
House of Commons yesterday, Linden said it was “vital” that football clubs are supported throughout the pandemic.
Speaking from the House of Commons, he said: “Football clubs across Scotland contribute greatly to the economy – through ticket sales, merchandise, food and drink.
“With Celtic FC in my Glasgow East constituency, I know firsthand how much a football club can enrich the local economy.
“The Fraser of Allander Institute report on the economic contribution of Celtic FC highlights that the club contributed £ 165 million during the 2016/ 17 season and supported an equivalent of 2820 full- time jobs.
“It is vital that the government support football clubs, both large and small, during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly as we look towards facing a second wave of cases and further restrictions across the UK.”
We have approached the UK Government for comment.