SNP calls on Labour Government to support campaign to make all Scotland matches free-to-air

Tartan Army fans have long complained about games involving Steve Clarke's side being shown on a variety of subscription channels.

The SNP has called on the Labour Government to back its campaign to make all Scotland international matches free-to-air. Tartan Army supporters have long complained about games involving Steve Clarke's side being shown on a variety of subscription channels, while England matches are routinely shown on ITV or Channel 4.

Scotland fans will be able to watch tonight's game against Portugal for free on YouTube after ViaPlay declined to broadcast the fixtures on a regular TV channel. The Norwegian broadcaster is contracted to show all of the men’s teams games until 2028, but recently decided to scale back their coverage of Scottish football.

Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, has previously spoken of his belief that all Scotland games should be free-to-air. He said in 2016: "I fully appreciate that terrestrial television can’t compete with the vast sums of money on offer from the likes of BT and Sky but I’m sure some accommodation could be made to ensure everyone can share in Scottish international sporting events."

The SNP's George Adam told the Record he was hopeful the new Government at Westminster would be more responsive to the campaign than the previous one. He said: "Scotland fans across the nation are facing yet more difficulties watching the men's national team this week - as tonight they are being robbed of the opportunity to watch our country take on one of the best teams in the world in Portugal.

"The previous UK Government continuously stonewalled any attempts to bring Scotland games onto free-to-air TV - but now is the time to address this issue. In opposition, Ian Murray backed the calls to remove barriers to watching both of Scotland's national teams, now he sits around the cabinet table in Westminster with the ability to make this change happen.

"Earlier this year the SNP launched a campaign calling for Westminster to ensure that Scotland games are available for everyone to watch on free-to-air TV - it is time for the Labour UK government to take this seriously."

The Record asked the UK Government for comment.

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