The Tartan Army has spoken - 92% want Scotland games on free-to-air TV

It might not have been the biggest vote this week – but it is among the most clear-cut. The Tartan Army think Scotland matches should be on national terrestrial TV.
Fans at Scotland's match with Kazakhstan last November (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group / SFA)Fans at Scotland's match with Kazakhstan last November (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group / SFA)
Fans at Scotland's match with Kazakhstan last November (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group / SFA)

Next week Scotland will head to Serbia for the biggest match in a generation, with the nation’s Euro 2020 qualification hopes on the line.

The match will be televised by Sky Sports – but those without a subscription to the satellite broadcaster, and an active sports channel package, will miss the game and make do with England v Republic of Ireland friendly on STV instead.

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Instances like this prompted Barry Kirk to combine with like minded supporters in The Hampden Collection to form the #OorLadsOorTelly campaign looking to restore national team matches to terrestrial television and for Scotland games to be considered one of television’s crown jewels – like the Scottish and English FA Cup finals, Wimbledon, the Boat Race and Grand National.

And from our online poll returns – the Tartan Army and wider Scottish support, agrees.

In our quickfire survey, 1650 votes were cast in just 24 hours with an overwhelming response of 92% in favour of seeing Steve Clarke’s side screened on one of the free-to-air channels.

Barry said: “It’s obviously too late for Thursday’s game but it shows the strength of feeling that we should be able to watch our own country’s matches – and the biggest one in a generation with so much riding on it – on terrestrial television.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke at full time with Andy Robertson (left) during a Nations League match between Scotland and Slovakia at Hampden , on October 11 2020 (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)Scotland manager Steve Clarke at full time with Andy Robertson (left) during a Nations League match between Scotland and Slovakia at Hampden , on October 11 2020 (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Scotland manager Steve Clarke at full time with Andy Robertson (left) during a Nations League match between Scotland and Slovakia at Hampden , on October 11 2020 (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

“It’s ridiculous that instead of watching the match in Serbia anyone without a Sky Sports subscription will only have an option to watch an England versus Republic of Ireland friendly as part of their licence fee payment – I’ve got no interest in that knowing Scotland have such an important game going on.

“We’re overwhelmed with the response in such a short space of time and this shows there is an appetite for the campaign to continue, to see our team on our telly.”

His feelings were shared among our poll’s responses.@CThomse: “Of course. Shouldn't have to pay to watch your own country play on TV.”

@Bilo_Kravo: “Should be but absolutely will not be.”

@Bzzzz1314: “Imagine having to campaign to get your own national team on telly in yer ain country... and in a game of this magnitude!?"

We’ll also bring you all the match updates from Serbia in our live match blog on Thursday at Scotsman Sport.

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