
Football fans first to enjoy pints at Scottish game for first time in 44 years
BEER WE GO Football fans first to enjoy pints at Scottish game for first time in 44 years
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
FOOTIE fans cheered the beer yesterday as a pints for punters pilot kicked off at two Scottish grounds.
Supporters at Arbroath's Gayfield Park and Stirling Albion's Forthbank Stadium were the first to enjoy a drink outside of hospitality at a game in 44 years.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
4
Arbroath fan Paul Brown was among the first to enjoy a pint under the scheme
4
Supporters are given special wristbands allowing access to the bar area at The Red Lichties' Gayfield Park
4
Father and Son Hugh and Mike Douglas believe clubs will benefit from extra cash raised through beer sales
4
David Watson says fans need to be sensible
The ban was sparked by the infamous Hampden pitch battle between Old Firm fans at the 1980 Scottish Cup final.
Arbroath diehard Paul Brown was among the first in the queue ahead of his team's Premier Sports Cup tie with St Mirren.
He said: 'I'm enjoying it.
"I think it's been too long.
'We've got our family here with us and it's more of a family environment at the football now.
'It feels safer than it used to and there's a lot more girls coming along than before.
'It's good for the club to be able to bring the money in as well.'
Father and son Hugh and Mike Douglas, from Monifieth, Angus, were also pleased to see their cash go straight to their Championship club.
Mike said: 'I think it's something different for the fans.
'We normally go to the pubs in town, but it's nice to be able to just head straight to the stadium.
'I'd much rather the money went towards the club.
"It could be a great way to increase revenue.'
Sky Sports reporter soaked on live TV by sprinkler ahead of pre-season friendly
Supporters had their match tickets scanned to get wrist bands for a fan zone where they could buy pints of Madri and Guinness for £4.60 from 11am to 2.45pm before the match, and until 7.30pm afterwards.
David Watson, from Glasgow, who witnessed the 1980 riot from the Hampden stands, said: 'I think this pilot is great, as long as people are sensible and I'm sure they will be.
'Folk are going to drink before games anyway, so they might as well give them an opportunity to have it inside the ground.
'I think the ordinary punter should be able to have a drink at the football, not just those that can afford hospitality.
"It happens down south already and I don't see why it shouldn't be available up here.'
Supporters taking part in the pilot will not be allowed to view the pitch while inside the special pop-up bars.
As well as Arbroath and Stirling — who played Hamilton yesterday — Queen of the South, Ayr United, St Mirren and two other unnamed clubs are involved in the trial.
But it remains to be seen whether the Scottish Government will soften its stance on the ban.
First Minister John Swinney said previously: 'We've got arrangements in place just now that work.'
Police Scotland said earlier this year: 'It is a matter for the Scottish Government and football authorities.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
7 minutes ago
- BBC News
'I've come here to play' - Goodman has big aims
Goalkeeper Owen Goodman says he hopes to develop his game and help Huddersfield Town return to the Championship after joining on loan from Crystal 21, is yet to play a competitive game for Palace but has enjoyed spells on loan at Colchester United and AFC Wimbledon, helping the latter win the League Two play-offs last he is targeting another promotion at the John Smith's Stadium."I want to come here and take the next step," Goodman told BBC Radio Leeds."I have dreams and aspirations and this is the best place to be for my journey."Last year I played 54 games. I want to play every league game. I want to help the club get promoted."The goal is promotion and we want to do it by winning the league. We want to beat everyone - that is the aim."Goodman is keen to work with new Terriers boss Lee Grant, a goalkeeper in his playing days with the likes of Norwich City and Manchester United."The gaffer wants to help me," he added. "I'm coming here on loan, working with a manager who is an ex-goalkeeper. I've come here to play."Listen to the full interview and more on Huddersfield Town on BBC Sounds.


BBC News
7 minutes ago
- BBC News
Bristol City under 'no pressure' to make signings
Bristol City are actively looking for new recruits but are not under pressure to bring in new faces, according to boss Gerhard Robins have so far turned Rob Atkinson's loan from Portsmouth into a permanent deal this summer as well as signing goalkeeper Joe Lumley from Southampton and Preston forward Emil Riis Jakobsen."We are open with our eyes and ears in the market but we don't feel we are under stress, and we are looking for the right one," Struber told BBC Radio Bristol."When we find the right one then something could happen - we are ready for this step but are not under pressure."City are being linked with a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, with Max O'Leary set to be sidelined for up to four months following ankle surgery."We know we have a player out and Max was a key last season and if we have to do something we will see what's going on in the next few days," added StruberMidfielder Marcus McGuane left Ashton Gate to join Huddersfield Town last week but Struber would not be drawn on whether more players could head for the exit before the transfer window closes on 1 said: "We are not planning for any players here to do something - I am very happy with the roster but at the same time I would say we are always open."Bristol City kick-off the new Championship campaign at Sheffield United on 9 August (17:30 BST) in a rematch of their play-off semi-final last season.


BBC News
7 minutes ago
- BBC News
'Lawal looked like Beckham'
Stoke City manager Mark Robins said Bosun Lawal could feature in a number of positions during the upcoming Championship campaign after an injury-hit debut season with the Irishman joined the Potters in August 2024 but was sidelined for much of the season with a back injury, playing just seven Championship the versatile Lawal, who can play in defence or midfield, is keen to make a bigger impact this campaign and his performances in pre-season are certainly catching the eye of his boss."There's bits and pieces where [Lawal] looks fantastic at times," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke following the 1-1 friendly draw with Premier League side Wolves on Saturday."His feet are brilliant. He looked like [David] Beckham, coming out with the ball as well."He can play anywhere with the feet that he's got. They are quite soft and he's got a really good touch. He can finish, as you saw on Wednesday evening [when he scored in the 2-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra]."He's worked his socks off this pre-season and gives himself every chance. His build and his qualities make him a welcome addition to the squad."Listen to the full post-match interview with Mark Robins and more on BBC Sounds.