Football fans first to enjoy pints at Scottish game for first time in 44 years
BEER WE GO Football fans first to enjoy pints at Scottish game for first time in 44 years
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FOOTIE fans cheered the beer yesterday as a pints for punters pilot kicked off at two Scottish grounds.
Supporters at Arbroath's Gayfield Park and Stirling Albion's Forthbank Stadium were the first to enjoy a drink outside of hospitality at a game in 44 years.
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Arbroath fan Paul Brown was among the first to enjoy a pint under the scheme
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Supporters are given special wristbands allowing access to the bar area at The Red Lichties' Gayfield Park
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Father and Son Hugh and Mike Douglas believe clubs will benefit from extra cash raised through beer sales
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David Watson says fans need to be sensible
The ban was sparked by the infamous Hampden pitch battle between Old Firm fans at the 1980 Scottish Cup final.
Arbroath diehard Paul Brown was among the first in the queue ahead of his team's Premier Sports Cup tie with St Mirren.
He said: 'I'm enjoying it.
"I think it's been too long.
'We've got our family here with us and it's more of a family environment at the football now.
'It feels safer than it used to and there's a lot more girls coming along than before.
'It's good for the club to be able to bring the money in as well.'
Father and son Hugh and Mike Douglas, from Monifieth, Angus, were also pleased to see their cash go straight to their Championship club.
Mike said: 'I think it's something different for the fans.
'We normally go to the pubs in town, but it's nice to be able to just head straight to the stadium.
'I'd much rather the money went towards the club.
"It could be a great way to increase revenue.'
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Supporters had their match tickets scanned to get wrist bands for a fan zone where they could buy pints of Madri and Guinness for £4.60 from 11am to 2.45pm before the match, and until 7.30pm afterwards.
David Watson, from Glasgow, who witnessed the 1980 riot from the Hampden stands, said: 'I think this pilot is great, as long as people are sensible and I'm sure they will be.
'Folk are going to drink before games anyway, so they might as well give them an opportunity to have it inside the ground.
'I think the ordinary punter should be able to have a drink at the football, not just those that can afford hospitality.
"It happens down south already and I don't see why it shouldn't be available up here.'
Supporters taking part in the pilot will not be allowed to view the pitch while inside the special pop-up bars.
As well as Arbroath and Stirling — who played Hamilton yesterday — Queen of the South, Ayr United, St Mirren and two other unnamed clubs are involved in the trial.
But it remains to be seen whether the Scottish Government will soften its stance on the ban.
First Minister John Swinney said previously: 'We've got arrangements in place just now that work.'
Police Scotland said earlier this year: 'It is a matter for the Scottish Government and football authorities.'
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