Scottish football’s failure to prioritize fan safety during storms

A critical look at how Scottish football authorities mishandled storm-related match decisions

In the world of sports, the phrase “football without fans is nothing” resonates deeply. Yet, recent events in Scottish football have raised serious concerns about whether the authorities truly understand this sentiment. The chaos that unfolded during the recent storm, aptly named Storm Bert, has highlighted a glaring oversight in the management of fan safety and match scheduling.

Weather warnings ignored

As Storm Bert approached, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) was inundated with yellow and amber weather warnings.

These alerts were not mere suggestions; they were clear indicators of the severe conditions that were about to impact the country. Despite this, the SPFL proceeded with match schedules, seemingly disregarding the advice from Police Scotland, which urged all road users to reconsider travel plans in adverse weather conditions.

Superintendent Vinnie Fisher’s statement was unequivocal: “All road users should consider whether they really need to travel in adverse weather.” This advice was particularly pertinent for parents and students, who were already grappling with school closures and transport issues.

Yet, in the realm of football, it appeared that such warnings were treated as trivial, leading to a series of ill-fated decisions.

Farcical matchday decisions

The only sensible decision came with the postponement of Elgin’s home game against Clyde, announced on Friday. However, this was an exception rather than the rule. The subsequent matchday was marred by a series of chaotic events, including last-minute pitch inspections, late call-offs, and teams struggling to reach venues due to treacherous conditions. Fans were left in the lurch, often unaware of the status of their teams until it was far too late.

For instance, Queen of the South’s match against Caley Thistle was postponed only after noon, leaving fans already en route to the stadium. Similarly, Stenhousemuir found themselves stranded in snow, only to learn that their game had been called off due to public safety concerns. Such mismanagement not only reflects poorly on the SPFL but also raises questions about the prioritization of fan safety.

Negligence in fan engagement

The lack of communication and foresight displayed by the SPFL is alarming. Fans who braved the elements to attend matches were met with a complete disregard for their safety. The kick-off for the Rangers vs. Dundee United game was delayed due to travel issues, while Aberdeen’s match faced similar delays. The weather was not a surprise; warnings had been issued days in advance, yet the authorities failed to act accordingly.

This negligence is not just a matter of poor customer service; it poses a serious risk to the safety of players and fans alike. The question remains: why are there no established protocols to govern match decisions during severe weather? Football is a beloved sport, but it should never come at the expense of safety. The SPFL must take immediate action to ensure that such oversights do not occur again.

In conclusion, the recent events surrounding Storm Bert serve as a wake-up call for Scottish football authorities. The safety of fans should always be the top priority, and the failure to recognize this fundamental principle is unacceptable. If the SPFL does not implement necessary changes, it risks not only the safety of its supporters but also the integrity of the sport itself.