Swinney vows to give ‘consideration’ to ticket price caps at away football games

The First Minister has said he will give “consideration” to ticket price caps for away games in Scottish football.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, John Swinney responded to calls from Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay for a £25 cap on away game tickets.

She said: “There is often very little that unites football fans, but in recent weeks, supporters of Celtic, Falkirk and Motherwell have displayed banners backing my calls for a £25 cap on away tickets, a call that has also been backed by the Scottish Supporters Collective.

“Football is meant to be for everyone. At a time where the cost of living is ever-rising, there are fans being priced out of attending. There are already price caps in place in England and in many other European countries.

“We know how important attending games is for people. It reduces loneliness, not to mention the wonderful work the trust that these clubs do for the wider community, clubs would be nothing without their fans. Will the First Minister join me in the calls to cap away ticket prices?”

Mr Swinney responded: “I am very happy to give consideration to this particular issue, I think for all the reasons that Gillian Mackay indicates, it is important that individuals are able to engage in watching their football teams, in being able to enjoy that experience and to appreciate the solidarity of being together with fellow football fans.

“I certainly will give active consideration to the proposal that Gillian Mackay has raised.”

Ms Mackay asked if the First Minister would join her at a summit she is hosting in the coming months with supporters groups to discuss how we “democratise Scottish football”.

Mr Swinney said: “The Government has already held discussions on many of these issues about 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, which has delivered significant results for participation in sport.

“I am very happy for the sport minister to be involved in those discussions. She is very actively involved in all of these questions about fan engagement. If that helps to advance a sense of collective purpose within Scotland, then the Government will support that in every way it can.”