Scotland v Serbia Euro 2020 live on free-to-air Sky TV - fan campaign claims victory

Supporters appealing for Scotland’s crucial Euro 2020 play-off final with Serbia on Thursday have claimed an early victory before matchday – as Sky Sports made broadcast changes to the coverage.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke celebrates a goal

The #OorLadsOorTelly campaign, fronted by Scotland supporters in The Hampden Collection, have been calling for the national team’s matches to be screened to the Tartan Army on terrestrial TV.

Making direct focus to this week’s crucial match for Steve Clarke’s side, the group bemoaned the ‘biggest match in a generation’ with the first major tournament qualification in 22 years on the line, would be behind a subscription service, while England’s friendly with Republic of Ireland would be shown on terrestrial TV north of the border at the same time.

A quickfire poll run by The Scotsman online last week showed an overwhelming support for the cause and 12 hours after we revealed the results, Sky Sports announced the match WOULD be free-to-air on Sky channels ‘Pick’ and Sky One.

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Barry Kirk, of The Hampden Collection and OorLadsOorTelly, said: "This is a fantastic result for the campaign and for the nation as a whole! Our poll proved there was clear support to have the game on our free-to-view TV and Sky have stepped in!

“This is the biggest of games for Scotland in a generation, and maybe, just maybe, give the nation a wee lift when we need it most during these difficult Covid times.

“This is a big first step towards returning our national team to free-to-view TV. Now the whole nation will support the team and watch in the safety of their own homes and maybe

Ryan Christie could be involved again after missing the last internationals (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

just maybe we will finally get there.”

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Announcing the game, and Northern Ireland’s match against Slovakia with qualification also on the line, would be shown on free channels Sky Pick and Sky Challenge, Sky Sports said the decision to show ‘matches of historic, national significance’ was ‘recognition of the unique circumstances and the impact the pandemic is having on fans’.

The match kicks off at 7.45pm on Thursday and the winner will qualify for next summer's delayed Euro 2020 championship which will include matches played at Hampden.

For those unable to tune in The Scotsman will provide our usual live matchnight coverage at The Scotsman website.

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