Football fans to be given powers to stop clubs deserting local areas under new law plan
EXCLUSIVE: Labour by-election candidate David Russell says he will introduced a member's bill if he wins.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for football fans to have greater powers to stop clubs deserting their local areas.
Labour are planning a new law to give fans a say over their owners deciding to 'up sticks' and changing a club's name.
His call comes after David Russell, Labour's candidate in a crunch Holyrood by-election, wrote to football chiefs to help secure the future of Hamilton Accies.
The Scottish Championship club have been based locally since 1874 but they are set to leave for Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.
The move has caused anger among fans and triggered calls for a fan empowerment agenda.
Sarwar said the problem is national and needs Government intervention: 'Football belongs to the fans - that's why the football authorities should act to empower fans and their local communities.
' Scottish Labour is committed to making sure fans get a say so clubs can't leave their local community without the support of those who made them.
'Football clubs like Hamilton Accies are at the heart of their communities and must be supported to flourish with the communities they serve.'
League 2 Clyde confirmed on Wednesday that they will continue their tenancy of New Douglas Park in Hamilton, having vacated Broadwood Stadium three years ago.
Meadowbank Thistle was a Scottish football club based in Edinburgh that was renamed Livingston FC in 1995 and based in the town.
In a letter to the SPFL Group Chief executive Neil Doncaster, Russell has requested an urgent meeting about the future of Hamilton in the town.
If he wins the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, Russell will propose a member's bill to empower local fans.
The legislation would ensure they would be involved in decisions that have a material impact on local areas.
Russell said: 'The Accies are a vital part of our community - but the planned move threatens to rip the heart out of the area and means the club could wither and die.
'This cannot be allowed to happen - we need to keep the Accies in Hamilton and make sure this historic club has a secure future. That's why if I am elected I will do all I can to save the Accies.
'To do this I will urgently engage with the SPFL and, if needed, bring forward a members bill to ensure that fans have to be consulted before any club - including the Accies - decide to up sticks and leave their community.
'I will consult with clubs, fans and interest groups to ensure that my bill is as pragmatic and effective as possible.'
SNP by-election candidate Katy Loudon said: "I was incredibly disappointed to hear of Hamilton Accies' plans to relocate to a stadium outside of Hamilton.
"The club's importance to the town and the wider area cannot be understated. I have been clear in my view that every effort should be made to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the club at New Douglas Park."
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