Our old fans are still game. Don’t charge them the full whack
Charity urge SFA to offer concessions
The SFA are being asked to reconsider their controversial approach of charging pensioners full price to watch the national team.
Age Concern believe the failure to make cut-price admission available is excluding some older fans.
At tendances at the last two internationals played at Hampden were woeful – the friendly defeat against Belgium nine days ago was watched by just over 20,000 spectators.
The Uefa Nations League game against Albania on Monday saw just 17,455 fans at Hampden Park.
There were concessions of up to £20 off for under-16s but none for OAPs. And the same policy is in place for the next match, a friendly against Portugal on October 14.
Age Scotland director Delia Henry said: “As a football fan, I think it would be a bri l l iant idea for the SFA to introduce reduced priced tickets for older people.
“There is a huge number of older Scots who just don’t have the disposable income to afford a full-price ticket but would relish the chance to cheer on the team at Hampden.
“It would be wonderful if old and young people were able to have an equal chance to enjoy the game and would make it more affordable.
“More than 200,000 older people in Scotland go at least half a week without speaking or seeing anyone. Imagine how great it would be if some of these older people who are football fans had the chance to be surrounded by 50,000 other – hopefully – smiling faces.
“The SFA should seriously consider doing this and I will be writing to their chief executive to make the case. It will help fill the stadium which, on average, has only been three-fifths full and give the team the reception they deserve.”
Tory MSP Annie Wells said: “It’s important to ensure that older people have access to sporting events. Giving pensioners concessionary tickets to Scottish football matches would be a great way of helping more of them enjoy these events.”
Hamish Husband, of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said: “The SFA are already offering reductions for children under 16. A similar offer should be made to those over 65. Recent Hampden games have been poorly attended – surely the SFA want a full Hampden?”
Despite repeated requests, the SFA declined to comment.