Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
TRNSMT bosses revealed headliner Richard Ashcroft’s set could kick off earlier — to avoid clashing with Scotland’s World Cup match against Morocco.
The ex-Verve frontman’s opening night performance is due to finish at 11pm, just as Steve Clarke’s men get their second tie under way in Boston.
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TRNSMT chief Geoff Ellis says the festival could change so revellers can enjoy the music and footballCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Headliner Richard Ashcroft could play to a thinned-out crowd if footie fans leave to catch the World CupCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing
Scott McTominay’s wonder goal against Denmark helped Scotland reach the World Cup but will leave TRNSMT fans with a dilemmaCredit: Getty Images
And there are fears revellers could stage a mass walkout during the Lucky Man singer’s show on the bash’s opening night to get home or to a pub on time to watch the footie.
Festival chief Geoff Ellis has now hinted set times could be moved — while backing Scotland for a glory run at next summer’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
He told The Scottish Sun on Sunday: “It’s very early days, with TRNSMT and the World Cup still over six months away.
“There is flexibility in timings and we will be ensuring fans can enjoy our line-up as well as watching Scotland’s second game on the road to bringing the World Cup home.”
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The three-day music bash is returning for a ninth year at Glasgow Green, with other Friday night acts including Wolf Alice, Nile Rodgers & Chic and The Beta Band.
It has already been switched from July to June to avoid clashing with the Commonwealth Games in the city.
But the move has now left fans with a dilemma over which to prioritise after Scott McTominay’s spectacular overhead kick helped fire us into the finals with a 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden last month.
Up to 50,000 revellers could race from the festival site to the nearest bar or nightclub if opening hours are allowed to be extended.
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, 62, now a pundit and DJ, said the World Cup will come first — despite being a massive Verve fan.
He said: “It’s going to be a tough call for a lot of people.
“I suspect there will be more than a few caught in a dilemma if they have a ticket.
“The Verve are one of my favourite bands and there aren’t many reasons I’d miss Richard Ashcroft.
“But Scotland beats everything.
“I’d do anything to be there or at the very least in front of a TV.”
Ted Christopher, 72, from Stirling, is a guitarist and singer who has entertained the Tartan Army before and after matches.
But ahead of our first World Cup in 28 years, he said: “Football has to be the winner here.
“TRNSMT comes every year — but Scotland in a World Cup doesn’t.”
We told how hospitality bosses have pleaded for late licences to screen our three group matches due to the five-hour time difference between the UK and USA.
East Ayrshire Council says it will back firms as the World Cup run is “of national significance”.
Aberdeen politicians asked boozers to get in touch to suggest dates, while South Ayrshire chiefs expect discussions “early next year”.
Glasgow City Council revealed it will hold talks with public transport operators to ensure disruption is minimised during TRNSMT and Scotland’s games — with discussions to come on boozers’ hours.