THE Scottish Football Association are prepared to discuss the sale of alcohol at football grounds with interested parties.
Campbell Ogilvie, president of the SFA, said yesterday that the association would be "happy' to have talks with "the various authorities" after a crackdown on alcohol stretching back to the 1980 Scottish Cup final when Celtic and Rangers fans clashed on the pitch.
Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, has called for a "grown-up debate" on the sale of alcohol within stadiums, and Peter Lawwell, chief executive of Celtic, has also proposed talks on the issue.
In Scotland, alcohol can only be sold to fans in hospitality and corporate areas during football matches. In England, supporters can buy a drink on the concourses at designated times during and after games, but are not allowed to take alcohol back to their seats.
Ogilvie emphasised: "Safety is paramount." But he added: "The only way it will ever be implemented is if all the authorities are satisfied over the safety aspects of the supporters. The debate's not going to go away."
The SFA is keen not to be seen to be pushing the initiative but seems willing to adhere to the wishes of police and safety authorities. Ogilvie stressed the importance of a "unified approach", before adding: " Any discussions taking place will only take place if all the interested parties are round the table."
Ogilvie said: "Football evolves. We go back to Friday night football -perceived issues. But Friday night football came in and I don't think there has been any problems with it. I'm sure if alcohol is ever brought into the stadia, it would be evaluated very carefully. If there were any issues thereafter it would soon be rescinded."
He said: "But the key issue is satisfying the safety authorities, the police, local authorities, and government. And the key is for everyone to be sitting round the table and put across their opinions."
In April, Lawwell said: "I feel we are at the stage where we should be testing it again in a pilot. Inside the stadium it's sensible and controlled. If people have had too much, the police are there to say, 'Hold on'."
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