Football fans slam 'Draconian' Tory Government plans that aim to shaft supporters on buses

Football fans have slammed “Draconian” proposals by the UK Senior Traffic Commissioner that will impose major restrictions on supporters buses travelling to away games in Scotland and other sporting events in Scotland.

The UK Government punished the consultation document last week ‘Guidelines for taking passengers to sporting events in Scotland’ seeking permission to impose limits on buses carrying fans to games to north of the border.

These proposals include:

Richard Turfitt, Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, wrote: “Having recently consulted on updating the guidelines for England and Wales, I believe that it would be appropriate to consult on the introduction of the voluntary guidelines for designated football matches held within Scotland. In order to help us understand whether the guidelines should be adopted in Scotland, we would like to hear from industry and its representatives and other stakeholders who have an interest in the carriage of football fans by PSVs. We invite you to offer your thoughts and contributions on the proposal. These guidelines have historically applied to Scottish operators when conveying passengers to all football matches in England and Wales but have not previously been applied to matches held within Scotland.”

Motherwell fan Derek Watson, a director of the Fir Park club’s Well Society, took to social media to blast the move, saying: “The Draconian proposals put civil liberties at risk. They must be opposed!”

Former Fir Park employee Grant Russell, who now works with English Premier League outfit West Ham United, replied: "Get ready to count on one hand the clubs who stand up for their supporters against this nonsense, newfound way of targeting fans. The SPFL and Scottish FA