Hampden residents have backed the South Side stadium to stay as the home of Scottish football and said it would be a “tragedy” if the SFA were to leave.

A decision is expected within a few weeks on whether the SFA will extend the lease at Hampden or move matches to Murrayfield in Edinburgh in a deal with the Scottish Rugby Union.

The Evening Times’ Save the Hampden Roar campaign attracted widespread support when the SFA first mooted leaving the stadium.

Mount Florida Community Council has written to Peter Dallas, managing director of Hampden Park Ltd, with their support for big matches continuing at the stadium.

It said the stadium was crucial for the local economy on match days and in general with many staff employed at Hampden.

Chris Carus, chair of the community council, said event management had improved in recent years following engagement with the community by police and others. 

Mr Carus added: “We understand that if the SFA were to leave its Hampden home, the stadium would no longer be economically viable as a club ground and would most likely be demolished. This would be a tragedy for the local area.”

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, tweeted her backing for the community council.

She said: “Great to see @MoFloCoCo getting behind a vision of Hampden as a genuine asset for the community, working in partnership with local people.”