First Minister John Swinney has shut down any suggestion that Scotland’s long-standing ban on alcohol at football grounds could be lifted, stating that he is “not sympathetic” to the idea.
Documents released on Tuesday revealed that Police Scotland and the SPFL were open to discussions about revisiting the ban, with talks of potential pilot schemes.
However, the First Minister has poured cold water on any hopes of change, insisting the current system should remain in place.
Speaking to the STV News, Swinney said: “I understand the aspiration amongst football clubs and some football interests to take forward measures to address the ban on alcohol in football stadiums,” he said.
“I’m not sympathetic to that.
“I understand where they’re coming from, but I am not sympathetic to that.
“I think we’ve got a set of arrangements in place just now that work, that are appropriate, that are necessary, and I think we should stick with them.”
The response will frustrate many football fans, particularly given the double standards at play. When Celtic lifted the League Cup at Hampden, alcohol sales were banned, yet just a week later, the same stadium hosted a rugby match where fans were free to drink without issue.
Down south, fans are able to drink so long as they are not in view of the pitch, this was something that the Scottish Government could’ve tried. Drinking is already permitted in Scottish stadiums, so long as you have a hospitality ticket.
The debate over alcohol at football games has rumbled on for years, with calls for Scottish football fans to be treated the same as supporters of other sports. For now, though, the ban remains firmly in place, with little sign of change under the current government.
