As the
country moves towards a new ‘normal’ via phase 3 of the Covid-19 restrictions, some
may see that there are more pressing issues than the betterment of the Scottish
football fan experience. However, if you
were to align this to the hot topic of how best to improve the downturn in the economy
and get things moving again, perhaps the timing may be right. Clubs up and down the country should be highlighting
how they can play their part. In doing
so increasing their revenue as well as that of helping the local and national economy
through the introduction of purchasing alcohol, but more so the bigger picture
of sanctioning fan zones in and around the stadiums.
Can anyone
give me a reasonable answer why I am unable to buy a beer before taking my seat
to watch Celtic? Or why I cannot
socialise with family and friends in and around the perimeters of Celtic Park
within a fan zone type set up hours before the kick-off. A type of fan experience that occurs throughout
a high proportion of football matches and major sports events throughout the
world. Close to home it appears to be permitted
for Scottish rugby where rules around alcohol are far more relaxed and in
complete contrast to that of football fans.
I, like many of you, saw the many hospitality points closed when we
watched Celtic play at the home of Scottish Rugby for a few European matches
and the more recent league cup semi-final.
All closed because they are set up for alcohol and not needed that day as
it was football fans that were in town. Fan zones are not completely unknown to the
areas around Celtic Park as it was used last year in May 2019 to host a rugby
cup final. Even in England, a football fan
can enjoy the option of buying alcohol in and around their home stadium, despite
the English having worldwide notoriety with football hooliganism and arguably having
a very similar culture around food and drink to ours. So why is it allowed for Scottish rugby fans
and English football fans but not Scottish football fans?
I am aware
that Celtic have been very proactive in trying to smash through their own glass
ceiling and as a well operated business, I can only imagine that the potential
for a great many being constantly refused must be so infuriating. I am told that they will continue to fight this
and hopefully Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland can see beyond what
appears as a negative and poorly assessed view, that it would be a means that
encourages binge drinking and potential for anti-social behaviour.
It could be
argued that a negative culture of drinking alcohol already exists on match day as
the local bars are heaving out the door and large groups congregate on corners
and on waste grounds. Opening safe, clean,
and legal environments that are controlled rigorously and managed by the respective
club will encourage safer, sensible, and far more comfortable environments for
people to congregate and socialise, whilst cleaning up the image of the surrounding
area. The local economy would be boosted
through generating employment, giving people opportunities to gain experience
and the appreciation of an income that could benefit many others. Celtic’s very own ‘Gateway to Employment’
through the work of the Foundation could massively benefit through the
opportunities gained around the hospitality industry and done so alongside
other partners such as local colleges with accredited qualifications being achieved. Other independent parties could be included through
buskers, children entertainers that would include fully paid up face painters,
pop up stalls for food and merchandise.
The list is endless and all benefiting while inputting to a more positive
and enjoyable experience to spend time to catch up with friends and
family.
As noted in
the Insider article of April 2020, the Fraser of Allander Institute found that
the SPFL season of 2017/18 contributed £444 million gross to Scotland’s GDP, while
supporting the equivalent of 9,300 full time jobs. They also note that the spending that is not in
addition to the Scottish economy contributed £214 million net along with the
equivalent of 5,700 full time jobs. The same Institute notes that from season
2016/2017, the spending of Celtic and its supporters was worth £165 million to
the economy while, supporting the equivalent of 2,820 full time jobs. Achieving more that the £155 million that golf
tourism provides and the £125 million from the 2014 Commonwealth games. What would these figures be with the introduction
of fan zones?
I know that
a lot of things need to transpire first in order to put in place fan zones,
however the negotiations could still take place with a plan for the future once
the threat of Co-vid has diminished and fans are back in their seats. The industry of Football and its benefits
should never be allowed to be looked upon with shame. It should never be compared negatively to
other sports and major events such as those attached to the music industry where
the levels of disturbance and anti-social behaviour can be higher than that of
football. It is surely time for the government
and police to look logically at this and stop treating football fans with
contempt.
Till the
next time. Hail! Hail!
M
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