Dundee utd owner predicts rangers takeover will fix a 'touchy subject' for good

MARK OGREN SEES THE AMERICAN TAKEOVER AT IBROX AS A PATH TO IMPROVING SCOTTISH FOOTBALL 17:15, 01 Jun 2025 Dundee United owner Mark Ogren reckons the San Francisco 49ers' involvement

with Rangers can up revenue for everyone in Scottish football – and hopes it could even be a step towards lifting the alcohol ban in stadiums. The new era at Ibrox is officially underway

with the Andrew Cavenagh-led takeover officially confirmed on Friday after _RECORD SPORT_ exclusively broke the story in April. It's backed heavily by the investment arm of the San

Francisco 49ers, one of the biggest sport franchises in America, and has already led to significant media interest stateside. It's the latest example of significant American involvement

in Scottish football. Ogren bought a controlling stake in Dundee United in 2018, while businessman Bill Foley has a major stake in Hibs and Tim Keyes has had the reins at Dundee for more

than a decade. Ogren, speaking to the New York Times, says he's hopeful the 49ers prominent investment in the Scottish game can drive revenue for more than just Rangers, believing the

increased exposure can help put more eyeballs on the Scottish game. Wider than that, however, he's hoping the American input can help improve fan experience on matchdays. Article

continues below Specifically, as far as Ogren is concerned, by relaxing the alcohol ban that's been in place since 1980. He said: “I’m hoping the 49ers being involved is going to

increase the exposure, but there is definitely scope to increase the revenue. The TV deal is a big thing, but also the culture. The alcohol situation continues to bother me. “It’s absurd.

It’s a touchy subject, but it is part of the entertainment value for people who come to matches, and they should be able to buy a beer.” Fans in Scotland have been unable to drink at games

for 45 years since rioting at the infamous Old Firm at Hampden in 1980. Across the border in England, meanwhile, clubs are able to sell alcohol in stadium concourses. But the idea of a

similar relaxation has been met with severe caution at political level in Scotland and seems unlikely to come any time soon. Follow _RECORD SPORT_ on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all

of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and

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