Scottish FA 'surprised' at criticism from women's players
Several members of the squad took to social media to hit out at the ticketing process for their match against Spain
Last updated 6th Apr 2022
The Scottish FA say they are surprised by women's national team players criticising them for the way they are selling tickets for next week's match against Spain.
Several key members of the squad posted syncronised Tweets on Tuesday, claiming the governing body were only opening 'a fraction' of Hampden Park for the World Cup qualifier.
Hampden chiefs have now moved to clarify the situation by saying the ticketing process is the same as the one used for all large events.
They also insist every single seat inside the national stadium will be made available if they are required.
A statement said: "The ticketing sales process used at Hampden Park is identical to most across Scottish football, with tickets sold in blocks, in line with ongoing demand. This procedure is long-established for all events within our stadium – including the recent men’s UNICEF friendly against Poland - to optimise the atmosphere for each event.
"The Scottish FA was therefore surprised by the flurry of identical social media posts last night from members of the Scotland Women’s National Team under the misapprehension that insufficient tickets are being sold for next Tuesday’s vital FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Spain at the national stadium.
"Every seat in Hampden Park will be made available should the demand require it – and we urge football fans across the country to do their bit to support Pedro Martinez Losa and his team.
"Indeed, the Scottish FA has already gifted 2000 to local clubs to help cheer on the team. It is also worth pointing out that for this match, the Scottish FA has allocated the biggest marketing spend for a Scotland Women’s National Team game, which has included prominent player-focused Bring The Noise outdoor and social media advertising.
"The staff who will work tirelessly until kick-off to promote the match have been hugely disappointed by the post, especially when the question could have been answered easily, and without negative headlines and ill-informed sharing.
"The timing was especially disappointing given the posts were published midway through the Scotland Women’s Under-19 team’s UEFA EURO Round Two victory against Kazakhstan in Edinburgh. That this match was streamed live, with dedicated production and commentary, should reinforce the Scottish FA’s commitment to women’s football at all levels.
"We hope the SWNT can refocus and inspire the nation against Spain on Tuesday."