by Bill Heaney
Gillian Mackay, a Green party politician, contends there is often very little that unites football fans.
However, in recent weeks, supporters of Celtic, Falkirk and Motherwell have displayed banners backing my calls for a £25 cap on away tickets, she told the Scottish Parliament.
Those calls have also been backed by the Scottish supporters collective.
She aded: “Football is meant to be for everyone, but at a time when the cost of living is ever rising, some fans are being priced out of attending.
“Price caps are in place in England and in many other European countries. We know how important attending games is for people—it reduces loneliness, and that is not to mention the wonderful work that the clubs do for the wider community.
The way we were: My Ticket for the Celtic v Dumbarton game 50 years ago. Look at at price – and look at the players in the picture below. Johnny Graham, Charlie Gallacher, Kenny Wilson, Tommy Callaghan
“Clubs would be nothing without their fans. Will the First Minister join me in making calls to cap away ticket prices?”
First Minister John Swinney told her: “I am happy to give consideration to that issue. For all the reasons that Gillian Mackay indicated, it is important that individuals are able to watch their football teams, to enjoy that experience and to appreciate the solidarity of being together with fellow football fans. I will certainly give active consideration to her proposal.”
Gillian Mackay replied: “Some 120,000 people will attend games over the weekend, but we currently have a system in which, other than at a few clubs, fans struggle to have their voices heard.
“At a national level, that is even more difficult. Whether through ticket prices or fan ownership, we need to bring our sport closer to the people who make it what it is.
“In the months ahead, I plan to host a summit with supporters groups from across the country to discuss how we democratise Scottish football at every level and make it truly for the fans.
“Will the First Minister join that summit and help to put fans at the heart of our national game?”
The First Minister told her: “The Government has held discussions on many of those issues, such as fan ownership and fan engagement in football.
“There are a number of very good examples around the country of fan ownership and leadership of football clubs that have delivered significant results for participation in sport.
“I am happy for the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport to be involved in those discussions.
“She is actively involved in all those fan engagement matters. If that helps to advance a sense of collective purpose in Scotland, the Government will support that in every way that it can.”