SCOTTISH Labour leader Jim Murphy is to meet with football representatives, fans and the police this week to discuss ending a ban on the sale of alcohol at football grounds.
The politician, who is campaigning for the ban to be overturned, will meet with officials at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Friday in a bid to stop football supporters being treated "like second class citizens".
Representatives from Scotland's 42 football clubs, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Police Scotland have all been invited to attend the event and offer their views.
The SFA said it will seek the views of fans on the issue, while Police Scotland Chief Constable Stephen House said he would "enter into formal discussions", if an independent consultation finds widespread support for the idea.
Football fan Mr Murphy announced plans for the "summit" as he campaigned outside New Douglas Park at the Hamilton Accies v Aberdeen SPL match on Sunday.
He said: "Today 70,000 fans will be at Murrayfield for the rugby and they'll be able to enjoy a drink in the ground. The football fans here at New Douglas Park will not unless they're fortunate to be enjoying a corporate hospitality package. That's not right and it's not fair.
"The sale of alcohol at football was banned 35 years ago. Times have changed, football has changed, the stadiums have changed; so I believe it's time we had another look at the ban and stopped treating football supporters like second class citizens.
"I want to see this introduced in a gradual way so we can learn as we go along. I've already spoken to a number of club representatives and the next stage is to hold a summit with all interested parties to take this forward.
"I'm looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say on Friday."
The Scottish Government said it has "no plans" to change the policy, however the SFA is to hold focus groups and poll football supporters on the issue.
Chief Constable House said he would be "extremely concerned by any proposal to amend legislation in respect of alcohol at football matches in Scotland".
However, he said if the outcome of an independent public consultation backed the idea then "we will of course enter into formal discussions with the footballing authorities".
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