ChatGPT said:
Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Monday will be played on neutral ground in Hungary, meaning the Tartan Army won’t be able to watch their team in person. The match takes place at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg.
Why can’t Belarus host their home games? Due to Belarus’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, UEFA imposed a ban on Belarusian teams hosting matches at home, similar to sanctions placed on Russian teams since March 2022. As a result, all Belarusian clubs and national teams must play home games at neutral venues and behind closed doors, with no fans allowed.
Belarus selected Zalaegerszeg as their neutral stadium, roughly 227km from Budapest. The arena will also host the Belarus vs Denmark qualifier in October, while the venue for Belarus vs Greece in November has yet to be confirmed.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill noted that playing at the ZTE Arena felt like a “Covid-era fixture,” with the lack of a crowd reducing the usual intensity. This means Scottish fans can only attend two away matches in this World Cup qualifying campaign: the opener against Denmark in Copenhagen and the penultimate match against Greece.
John Bleasdale from The Tartan Army Magazine said:
“It’s almost like the Scotland fans have been punished, but Belarusian fans are losing out too for something beyond their control. It’s a tough situation for everyone.”
Fans can still follow the action live. The match will be televised and streamed on My Newspaper iPlayer on My Newspaper One Scotland from 19:30 BST. Live radio commentary begins at 19:40 BST on My Newspaper Radio Scotland and My Newspaper Sounds, with Gaelic commentary available on My Newspaper Radio Nan Gaidheal.
The My Newspaper Sport team will provide full coverage, behind-the-scenes insights, and expert analysis across the website, app, social media channels, YouTube, TV, and radio.
