SCOTTISH Labour leader Richard Leonard believes the upcoming ban on adult grassroots football will kill clubs at the non-league level, unless a “Scottish Football Aid” fund is introduced immediately.

As it stands, there will be no adult football until October 25 at the earliest in the areas of Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley.

The Scottish Labour leader first demanded a fund be set up last month, with First Minisiter Nicola Sturgeon putting out a statement via a spokesperson which said: “This sport has a significant economic impact, but importantly also brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don’t want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary.”

With still no action from the Scottish government, Leonard has once again put pressure on those in charge to help clubs keep the lights on as they await the return of fans.

Leonard said: “The ban on ‘non-professional’ football across the five lockdown areas is going to catch and shut down semi-professional and non-league clubs for three weekends. 

“These clubs are exactly the types that I referred to last week when I called on the Scottish government to launch a Scottish Football Aid Fund.

“There is no longer any time to delay given the immediate heavy hit being taken by these clubs, which are the very lifeblood of Scottish football.

“Unless ministers begin making generous grants available to these clubs, it could only be a matter of time before we begin to lose some of these clubs and with them a vital part of the social fabric of our communities.”

Last month, Leonard said: “Losing the all-important ticket money, matchday programme sales and income from pre-match and half-time refreshments, will continue to bite in the weeks and months ahead.

“There’s a particularly grave danger for smaller clubs, which are reliant on these vital matchday income streams from crowds of supporters for their very survival.

“Not only are many of these clubs historically the lifeblood of Scottish football in terms of producing some of the nation’s greatest ever players, they are also a vital part of the social fabric of our communities.”