Caledonian Braves boss Ricky Waddell says he backs the stance the club are making by making Alliance Park a World Cup-free stadium.
Waddell won’t stop his players from watching the tournament from Qatar, but says there are various reasons why it isn’t welcome inside the confines of their stadium.
Speculation of corruption and a poor human rights record in Qatar have prompted many to pledge a boycott of the month-long tournament.
But the Lowland League club has actually taken a stance against it.
They issued a message on social media on Wednesday, saying: “Last week we asked fans if we should ban the World Cup at Alliance Park.
“Following a vote on our app, the results are in, making us the first and only club in Scotland to make our home ground a World Cup free zone.”
This was followed by #RespectAll and #FearNone.
Waddell said: “There are a lot of different angles, there’s politics going on with everybody.
“I think what happens these days it that people have a lot to say about things like that, but their actions don’t necessary follow, with celebrities and things like that.
“People are under pressure not go get involved with things at the World Cup, and I understand that.
“But for me it’s definitely about the players and the coaching staff, and it’s a World Cup tournament, but there’s no doubt there’s corruption there in Qatar – theres no doubt there was corruption in Russia as well – and that’s disappointing.
“So from the club’s perspective we said ‘why don’t we make our ground a World Cup-free stadium and just get on with our own business’.
“Boys will train, they’ll work away and do the normal things they do, but just have a bit of a line and a bit of support for things that have gone on in Qatar.
“We’re making a statement, but we’re not going to ban the players from watching the World Cup – they’re their own people.”
Meanwhile, Braves are allowing supporters in to Saturday’s South Challenge Cup third round clash against West of Scotland League First Division side Rutherglen Glencairn on a ‘pay what you can’ basis.
That’s not something that’s new for the Lowland League club, and was instigated by the rising cost of fuel.
Waddell said: “We have a donation for all of our home games this season and that was due to the fuel crisis.
“We’re trying to make our place as attractive as possible to everybody to come and watch.
“Going to football is expensive these days and we felt it was a good time of the year with the energy crisis, with people having less money in their pockets.
“If they want to come down and watch some local sport they can put in a couple of quid, a fiver, or nothing, if they can’t afford anything, to watch a game and not feel under pressure to put money at the gate.”
On the game, Waddell said: “It’s a good opportunity to progress, but we’re touch-and-go with a lot of players, to be honest.
“We’re down to the bare bones, we had a few boys playing with injuries and things against Cumbernauld Colts last weekend [4-1 defeat], and it’s probably going to be the same tomorrow.
“But I want us to perform and progress in the cup – it’s important.”
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