Cheers! Let's hit the bar

Ex FM hails booze-at-football trial

- BY DAN VEVERS Chief Reporter

A TRIAL return of alcohol to Scottish football games has been welcomed as “long overdue” by former first minister Jack McConnell.

Labour peer Lord McConnell, who served in Scotland's highest office from 2001 to 2007, said an SPFL pilot scheme, which began this month, could usher in a “new era” by allowing fans to enjoy a beer in stadiums for the first time in 44 years.

Seven Scottish clubs have signed up to the trial enabling match-going supporters to buy pints at select League Cup ties.

A blanket ban was imposed on alcohol at football matches in 1981 after a riot at the Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers fans.

But many football supporters have long criticised the prohibition as heavy-handed and discriminatory against predominantly working-class Scots - while rugby fans are permitted to enjoy a drink at Murrayfield, the country's largest stadium.