Scotland games could be shown on terrestrial television

---

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has said he will consider Scottish opinions for what sporting events should be on free-to-air television.

Sports fans have been urged to give their views on what Scottish events should be broadcast on free-to-air television.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy announced he would be gathering opinions from supporters on the issue. The move follows an independent review of which events should be given listed status to ensure that they are shown on free-to-air television channels.

The review, headed by David Davies, the former executive director of the Football Association, recommended home and away football qualifiers for both the World Cup and the European Championships should be listed for all of the UK home nations.

Scotland fans have been campaigning for their football team’s qualifying matches to be shown on terrestrial television. The UK Government will now carry out a consultation on the recommendations.

Mr Murphy said he would be consulting sports fans north of the border. He said: “The viewing public should be front and centre when it comes to informing the UK Government’s view on the future of sport on free-to-air channels.

“Sport is a key element in our national identity and the UK Government want to ensure everyone has access to the sports events that matter most to the nation, as well as a strong financial footing for our leading sports.”

He added: “Sport of all kinds depends on its fans for success and support and it is essential their views are heard. My intention to gather opinions on which events should be free-to-air from a wide spectrum of Scottish sports fans and organisations during the three-month consultation.

“Those views can be sent in to the Scotland Office and we will also look at holding events across Scotland to help those voices to be heard.”

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has been among those campaigning for Scotland football matches to be among the sporting “crown jewels” that are given listed status.

The West of Scotland MSP said: “It is ridiculous that for many people the only way to watch such games is to go to the pub – often leaving our young footballers of the future unable to see the match and putting pressure on parents already stretched budgets to sign up to satellite or cable stations.

“There has been a lot of support from the public in Scotland for international matches to be shown on terrestrial television and I know a lot of the fans are in favour of such a proposal. I now hope the Minister for Culture will implement these suggestions and allow the greatest number of people possible see Scotland international football matches from the comfort of their home.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We have called for the Scotland men’s football team’s World Cup and European Championship qualifying matches to be shown on free-to-air television, and we are glad that the independent advisory panel has endorsed this view.

“However, the fact that the final decision on a matter of such significance to the people of Scotland will be taken by UK Government ministers demonstrates the shortcomings of the current framework for broadcasting in the UK.”

She added: “We understand the current SFA sponsorship deal with Sky runs until 2014 and anticipate that they will be examining other commercial opportunities to alleviate any potential funding shortfall.

“It is vital that grassroots football does not suffer, and while the onus must lie with the SFA to protect the development of the game, we would be happy to meet them to discuss the issue.”