Football fans forced to eat ‘substantial meal’ to booze at pubs under new plans

Football Digest: Liverpool start the season strong

Football fans in Scotland could be forced to order a ‘substantial meal’ with any pints of beer while travelling to away games under new proposals. A consultation document was published last week, with the UK government seeking permission to impose limits on buses carrying fans to matches north of the border.

The proposals outline a number of harsh restrictions that would impact away fans using buses and coaches to get to matches, although the guidelines are yet to be officially adopted. They have already sparked a fierce backlash among fans and politicians alike, with some observers urging the SPFL and Scottish FA to stand up and oppose the controversial plans.

Under the proposals, buses carrying away fans would not be allowed to stop anywhere within 10 miles of the stadium unless police permission is given, according to the Daily Record. They would also be prevented from stopping at any pub for a beer unless it is sold alongside a ‘substantial meal’.

Buses would also be made to arrive at the stadium no earlier than two hours and no later than one hour before the scheduled kick-off time. In addition, they would be prohibited from dropping off or picking up any fans at unauthorised locations without prior permission.

JUST IN: Jesper Lindstrom rejected Anfield move despite supporting Liverpool

The divisive proposals would also force bus companies to tell the police how many supporters are expected to travel, the number of vehicles booked and the name and contact number for the person who made the booking. This would need to be done no less than 48 hours ahead of kick-off to avoid falling foul of the rules.

Richard Turfitt, the government’s senior traffic commissioner, wrote: “Having recently consulted on updating the guidelines for England and Wales, I believe that it would be appropriate to consult on the introduction of the voluntary guidelines for designated football matches held within Scotland.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
Erik ten Hag ‘feels badly let down’ by Sancho as Man Utd chiefs debate sale[LATEST]
Henderson opens up on Liverpool alarm bells, £700k salary and feeling unwanted[NEWS]
Sheikh Jassim may buy Man Utd in two months after claims sale ‘delayed'[GOSSIP]

“In order to help us understand whether the guidelines should be adopted in Scotland, we would like to hear from industry and its representatives and other stakeholders who have an interest in the carriage of football fans by PSVs. We invite you to offer your thoughts and contributions on the proposal.”

The proposals have already been widely criticised on social media, with Motherwell fan Derek Watson, a director of the Fir Park club’s Well Society, among those to have called for the SPFL and SFA to oppose the plans. He took to X, formerly Twitter, as he wrote: “The draconian proposals put civil liberties at risk. They must be opposed!”

Watson’s comments were echoed by Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in the House of Comments, who said: “Unworkable, unmanageable, unenforceable. Get it in the bin. The clubs these fans support can be a huge force for good & more folk attend matches in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe. Celebrate them, don’t punish them.”

Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.

Source: Read Full Article