Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has called for a £25 cap on the cost of away tickets in Scottish football, saying it’s time to make the national game affordable for everyone.
The Scottish Greens Co-leader believes clubs should follow the example set in England, where a £30 ceiling for away fans has been in place for more than a decade.
Similar price limits also exist for Europa and Champions League matches, but no such protection applies to supporters in Scotland.
Gillian says that the lack of consistency between clubs leaves fans facing wildly different costs, with many families now priced out of the sport they love.
Polling by IPSOS found that seven in ten football fans believe traditional supporters are being priced out of the game, while 76% agree there should be a cap on how much clubs can charge.
Women’s football remains more affordable, but the gap between men’s match prices continues to widen.
“Football is meant to be for everyone, but all over our country there are families being priced out of it,” said Gillian.
“With ticket prices varying wildly, and with transport costs increasing, football is becoming far too expensive for too many fans and their families.
“Price caps are already common in European competitions and in the English Premiership, and there’s no reason for Scotland to be any different.
“Scotland has some of the most loyal and passionate fans anywhere in the world, who follow their teams through good and bad.
“Especially when living costs are soaring, it’s time for clubs to lead by example and show them the same support.”
Gillian, who previously led calls for Scotland matches to be shown on free-to-view TV, said she plans to engage directly with fan groups and clubs to discuss her proposals.
“I’m looking forward to speaking to fan groups and clubs about my proposals and working with them to ensure that Scottish football can be affordable and sustainable for years to come,” she said.
The Greens believe that introducing a price cap would not only make football fairer but could also boost attendance across the country, strengthening community ties and restoring the game’s inclusive spirit.
