Scotland football friendlies' TV screening deal ahead of Euros 'a big win' for fans, says Ross-shire MP

ROSS-SHIRE MP Jamie Stone has declared a deal on live TV coverage of two of the men's national team’s friendlies ahead of the Euros "a big win".

He made his remarks as Liberal Democrat spokesperson for sport and in the wake of the announcement that BBC Scotland has secured the rights for the live coverage ahead of the eagerly anticipated competition.

After agreeing a deal with rights holder Viaplay, BBC Scotland hasgained the rights to show the friendlies against Northern Ireland in March and Finland in June.

This means that 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.

Mr Stone said: “Securing live coverage of the men’s games at Hampden 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, and 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 at one of the most precarious stages of the competition.

“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.”

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