TV deal on Scotland football friendlies 'a big win', says Jamie Stone
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A deal on free-to-air live TV coverage of two Scotland friendly matches ahead of this summer's European football championship has been hailed as "a big win" by Jamie Stone.
The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP was responding in his capacity as Liberal Democrat spokesperson for sport.
After agreeing a deal with rights holder Viaplay, BBC Scotland will show the home friendlies against Northern Ireland on March 26 and Finland on June 7.
Audiences will be able to access full live coverage of these games on BBC Scotland, and on BBC Three for the rest of the UK.
The Scotland men's team is among the 24 nations that have qualified for the finals in Germany. The Scots will take on the host nation in the opening match of the tournament on June 14.
Mr Stone said: “Securing live coverage of the men’s games at Hampden Park is a big win for the BBC, and for Scottish football fans all over the UK.
“There is huge excitement building for the Euros in Germany. It is only right that fans have access to important games in the run-up, and our national team feel the full extent of their support base.
“It is still my hope that more will be done to give qualifying fixtures a free-to-air platform in the future. Nevertheless, this is a step in the right direction in recognising that Scottish sport deserves the same investment as teams elsewhere in the UK.”
