Failing to offer discounted tickets is a missed opportunity to fill the stands says charity

Age Scotland is urging the Scottish Football Association to offer discounted tickets to over-65s to help combat loneliness amongst older fans.

The charity’s chief executive Brian Sloan has written to the SFA, saying that discounted ticket pricing for older football fans would be “a step in the right direction towards tackling loneliness among older people.”

He commented: “Around 200,000 older people in Scotland regularly go a week without speaking to anyone – the equivalent of four full Hampden Park stadiums.”

This comes after Scotland’s match against Belgium at a half-empty Hampden Park, and fewer than half of 51,866 tickets being sold for the Euro 2020 qualifier match on Monday night (September 9) in Glasgow.

Sloan called it a “missed opportunity” for the SFA. He added: “We’re disappointed that despite repeated pleas, the SFA still does not offer a discount to older fans. This week’s half-empty stadium for a Euro 2020 qualifier match clearly illustrates this is an own goal for the SFA.

“Many older people have been loyal fans all their lives, but struggle to afford full-price tickets on their pensions.”

An adult full-price ticket currently costs between £27 and £30, with no discounts for those over retirement age. Sloan said: “This would be a win-win situation, boosting attendance while rewarding lifelong fans and reaching out to the wider community.”