UK Government U-turn on tougher rules for football supporter buses

Plans that could have led to much tougher regulations for football supporters buses in Scotland have been brought to a screeching halt.

A consultation had been launched by the Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, which included voluntary guidance that fans travelling on buses to games would not be allowed to stop at pubs unless a "substantial meal" was served.

But the proposals were met with widespread condemnation from fans, clubs, football authorities and politicians.

'Ludicrous and unworkable'

First Minister Humza Yousaf called them "ludicrous and "unworkable" and Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross branded them "insulting".

The plans, which the commissioner had said were being made on the grounds of "safety", would have also required fans to arrive at a match between one and two hours before kick-off and leave within 30 minutes of the end.

But a statement from the commissioner on Friday said: "I have listened to the strength of feeling expressed and it is clear to me that there is further work required to understand the full impact of the introduction of any proposed guidance in Scotland.

"As a result, I have asked my officials to cease this consultation exercise."

'Sensible decision'

Football clubs and bodies such as the Scottish Football Association (SFA), the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL), spoke out against the proposals.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "I welcome this sensible decision from the Transport Commissioner.

"I'm very glad that the legitimate concerns of fans have been listened to."

A joint statement issued on behalf of the SFA, SPFL and SWPL said: "We are pleased that the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain has withdrawn the proposed consultation and that common sense has prevailed.

"We are also grateful to clubs, fans and politicians across the country for their unanimous support in opposing and ultimately preventing these unreasonable and unworkable guidelines from being implemented."

'Victory for Scottish football fans'

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: "This is a victory for every Scottish football fan who stood up and made their voice heard loud and clear.

"The whole episode reeked of complete snobbery and the very fact that the Tories tried to do this speaks volumes of the contempt in which they hold our national game.

"Scottish football is something to be celebrated, our fans should be heralded, and perhaps it is time for consideration about how football fans are treated more broadly - we can't even watch our international games for free while English and Welsh fans can.

"Millions of Scots attend games every year and pour money into the economy while doing it.”

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