BBC Scotland has secured a deal to broadcast two Scotland national team friendlies ahead of the Euros in an “important breakthrough” for the free-to-air TV campaign.
The men’s football team will play Northern Ireland on March 26 and Finland on June 7 at Hampden Park in Glasgow, both of which will be shown live on the BBC Scotland channel following a deal with rights holders Viaplay.
The two fixtures will be key to the team’s preparations ahead of them facing Germany on June 14 in the opening game of the Euros, before taking on Switzerland and Hungary in the other pool matches.
The match against Northern Ireland kicks off at 7.45 pm on March 26 and will also air live on BBC Two Northern Ireland.
The game against Finland, which also kicks off at 7.45 pm, will be Scotland’s final warm-up match before they board the flight to Germany.
These two home games will also be available on Viaplay and Viaplay will broadcast Scotland’s away games live versus the Netherlands on March 22, and Gibraltar on June 3.
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay said getting the matches on free-to-air TV was a “big step in the right direction” but maintained far too many games remained behind a paywall.
She said: “This is a really important breakthrough, and I am delighted.
“As the buzz continues to grow ahead of the Euros in Germany this Summer, I want as many people as possible to be able to watch Steve Clarke and his team.
"Credit to everyone who has campaigned for this, and to the BBC for securing the rights.
“Our national team is for all of us, but, especially in this cost of living crisis, far too many people have been priced out of our beautiful game.
“This is a big step in the right direction and is hopefully a sign of more to come.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, added: “Excitement is building for the tournament and we’re delighted we can bring the fans live coverage of two games that will be significant in the build-up to the campaign in Germany.
“These internationals are a welcome addition to our portfolio of live football this season. In the men’s game we have Scottish Cup matches, including the final, and regular Championship games on the BBC Scotland channel. And in the women’s game we had coverage of the Nations League and we continue to bring our audiences live League and Cup matches.”
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