Holyrood is urged to bail out football
THE Scottish Government have been urged to launch an emergency fund to keep football alive during the Covid crisis. And Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has warned that our national game faces ‘grave danger’ without a government bailout. The SPFL and SFA Joint Response Group are currently in negotiations with Scottish Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick over a potential rescue fund. And Leonard, following on
from predecessor and former First Minister Henry McLeish’s demands for government involvement, has added his voice to the calls for taxpayers to prop up an industry worth over £200million a year to the Scottish economy. Leonard said: ‘The absence of crowds is a devastating blow to the incomes and even survival hopes of many clubs, the length and breadth of Scotland. ‘Losing the all-important ticket money, matchday programme sales and income from pre-match and half-time refreshments, will continue to bite in the weeks and months ahead. ‘There’s a particularly grave danger for smaller clubs, which are reliant on these vital matchday income streams from crowds for their very survival. ‘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. ‘Our clubs play a leading role in running food banks for those in need, promoting the game in deprived communities, as well as countless charity work. ‘Yet, much of this vital work could be in peril due to the Covid pandemic. ‘No one wants to see football clubs go bust, but that is exactly the danger facing our beautiful game unless a generous system of grants is put in place. ‘There should also be fans’ representation on the boards of clubs to help deliver this. The Scottish Government must announce a
Scottish Football Aid fund without delay.’ Non-league, semi-professional and community clubs should be prioritised, according to Leonard. But he said professional clubs should be eligible for support, particularly in funding community and outreach projects. Earlier this week, McLeish — author of an SFA report recommending a major overhaul of football in Scotland — told
Sportsmail a lack of ‘trust’ between Hampden and Holyrood was making it difficult for politicians to hand over public money to the game.