Scotland Anniversary Shirt Cost Controversy
Scotland released their 150th anniversary kit on Tuesday which will be worn for the first time in the EURO 2024 qualifying opener against Cyprus on Saturday.
The kit was met with a welcome reception initially with fans praising the design but the price tag of £90 encountered widespread criticism.
The shirt was released to commemorate the first outing of the national side at Hamilton Crescent Cricket Ground 150 years ago in the world’s first international match – a goalless draw with England.
Fans took to social media to voice their discontent with the price of the new top with it being branded as “scandalous” by many of the Tartan Army faithful.
Despite the backlash received over the price the shirt sold out on the JD website within hours.
The cost of the anniversary shirt even led SNP MSP, Gavin Newlands, to brand the pricing of the shirt as an “absolute disgrace”.
Was going to buy this stunning @adidasfootball @ScotlandNT 150th anniversary top, but I have to say the price they've set is an absolute disgrace.
— Gavin Newlands MP 🏴🇺🇦 (@GavNewlandsSNP) March 21, 2023
£90 is far too much at any time, but it's unforgivable, during a #CostOfLivingCrisis
The @ScottishFA & @JDSports need to rethink. pic.twitter.com/OFdJCedHmN
A main criticism has been that the £90 outlay for the kit has come at a time that so many people are struggling amidst the cost of living crisis.
David Buick, host of podcast Talk Scottish Football and member of the tartan army had this to say.
The timing of such a high price for fans to put out to get their hands on the latest shirt, whilst many struggle to get by, has led to anger directed towards the SFA.
The SFA are not new to facing criticism with many also calling out the pricing of tickets for Scotland’s matches, and also cup ties at the national stadium.
Some Scotland fans managed to dodge the high price tag after a discount code was shared on social media that took the cost down to £63.
New Scotland 150th anniversary shirt on sale now at JD Sports at an eye watering headline price of NINETY POUNDS!
— Pie & Bovril 🏴 (@pieandbov) March 21, 2023
You can make it just about bearable if you download the JD Sports App and enter the discount code of SSC19337 at the check out.
That takes £27 off making it £63 pic.twitter.com/IVRcbeF7hJ
Although hopes of a bargain were soon dashed as JD removed the top from their site to correct the glitch in the system.
Only a lucky select few were able to acquire the shirt for the discounted price and were left sweating whether JD would cancel their orders.
Fans who missed out on purchasing the highly sought-after kit face sky high pricing on resale shirts. With fans selling the shirt for as much as £170 on eBay.
Scotland will take to the field adorned in the shirt at the centre of the controversy at Hampden Park on Saturday as Steve Clarke’s side look to get off to a winning start in their quest to reach EURO 2024.
