Fans' group deliver demands on prices and pyro to Hampden

Glasgow Times

2 days ago

Representatives from the newly formed Scottish Supporters Collective gathered outside the national stadium this morning to hand over an open letter that contained a list of five changes they wish to see implemented in the Scottish game, with issues cited ranging from the need for fairer ticket pricing, improved facilities for disabled fans and engagement on how to safely manage the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums.
The Scottish Supporters Collective is made up of members of 16 active supporters groups, with some of their members explaining to Herald Sport what they are hoping to achieve.
'There's been a lot of conversations recently about football fans, but the voice that's been missing from these conversations is the voice of match-going fans," said Will Adam, a Falkirk fan.
"We're asking those in charge to get round the table with the groups of fans who add colour and atmosphere to stadiums. By working together rather than demonising Scottish football can grow and thrive.'
Manpreet Singh, a Partick Thistle supporter, added: 'Fans are Scottish football's biggest asset. You are never going to compete financially with the top leagues in Europe, but where we can rival them is with our passion and loyalty.
"If those in charge of clubs and those in charge of running the game acknowledged that and engaged meaningfully we could build something special.'
(Image: Scottish Supporters Collective) The letter read: "Scottish football is nothing without its supporters. The passion, colour, and unwavering loyalty of fans is what sets our game apart. Yet, in recent months, a moral panic has taken hold - the mainstream media and authorities have unfairly demonised active support groups and other passionate supporters, while ignoring the value we bring to stadiums on matchday.
"We have watched in recent months as others have discussed supporter issues, whilst we have collectively been locked out of any consultation as those with little to no understanding of supporter culture, debate out of touch ideas on how to improve fan experience.
"We suggest that rather than continuing with the failed approach of excluding fans from discussions and demonising a culture that many in power do not understand, the more mature approach involves engaging with supporters to improve our game.
"Representatives from active support groups across Scotland have met and subsequently agreed to set up Scottish Supporters Collective to act as a wider voice for all supporters. Scottish Supporters Collective have discussed how we would improve the fan experience for Scottish football fans for the season ahead and we collectively propose five key changes to enhance the matchday experience, ensure fairness, and rebuild trust between fans and authorities.
1. Ticket prices should be set and frozen at the beginning of each season to prevent supporters being overcharged. In addition a flat percentage of away ticket allocations for all fixtures should be introduced.
2. ⁠Commitment from all clubs to participate in meaningful and regular supporter engagement, with their own club supporters and the wider Scottish Supporters Collective.
3. Allowance of use of atmosphere enhancement materials should be guaranteed access at all grounds, including for away supporters. Those items should include drums, banners, megaphones, and telescopic poles, all of which help provide a positive and supportive atmosphere.
4. A pledge for clubs to increase investment for disabled supporter facilities, as far too many grounds remain inaccessible, with inadequate viewing areas and limited services.
5. Pyrotechnic disposal bins to be installed at all stadia. Rather than demonising pyro use, pragmatic measures can mitigate risks while acknowledging its role in fan culture. These bins are a proven solution, providing a safer environment, reducing hazards and eradicating heavy-handed policing practices.
(Image: Scottish Supporters Collective) "These changes would not be radical, are easily implemented and would help to improve the matchday experience of fans across the country along with providing safer measures.
"More than that, actioning these points would demonstrate that good faith engagement between fans and the custodians of our game can benefit us all. Indeed, all of these measures are currently in use in some form in many countries throughout Europe.
"The current narrative pits fans against authorities, but this dynamic has failed to deliver the improvements required for our game to grow and thrive. It is time for proper fan engagement.
"Therefore Scottish Supporters Collective, which currently includes representatives from across the SPFL leagues including the majority of Premiership and Championship clubs, requests that the above proposals are implemented SPFL wide and offers an invitation for further talks with SFA, SPFL, SFSA and all clubs within the SPFL league structure."
Derek Watson, a Motherwell fan involved in the group, said: 'The aim of the collective is fairly simple.
"We want to create a better and more enjoyable match-day experience for all supporters. Football fans should be at the forefront of decision making. The changes we are proposing are fairly simple but could make a huge difference.'