Plans to televise English Premier League matches that kick off at 3pm on a Saturday would be “devastating” for Scottish football, claims an irate MP.

Broadcasters have been banned from showing Saturday 3pm kick-offs live since the 1950s in order to prevent attendances dropping at matches.

But media regulator Ofcom is investigating the way the Premier League sells its TV rights, which could pave the way for Saturday afternoon games to be shown live.

Dunfermline MP Thomas Docherty has slammed the plans, warning it could have a terrible effect on lower league Scottish clubs. He has demanded Scottish fans are consulted before a decision is made. His fears have been backed by supporters’ clubs in Scotland and England.

The Labour MP said: “Ofcom cannot and should not ignore the views of Scottish fans. Allowing 3pm games to be screened live would be a terrible idea.

“Fans of teams like Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath in my constituency are some of the best in the world but it would be understandable if they skipped the occasional game to watch a glamour tie on TV.

“That could have a devastating effect on smaller clubs who are already struggling in the current climate. I’ll be writing to Ofcom this week demanding they consult with the SFA and Supporters Direct Scotland before coming to any conclusions.”

Ofcom has launched a competition probe following a complaint from Virgin Media, which claimed a lower proportion of matches were shown on TV in England than other major European countries, which could open the door to live 3pm games.

Mike Riley, chairman of the Hibernian FC Supporters’ Club, echoed Mr Docherty’s fears.

He said: “To show matches at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon just gives Scottish and English clubs bigger problems getting folk to go to the games. Scottish football is having to try hard enough to get people to come to games.”

A spokesman for Ofcom said: “So far, we have not held discussions with Scottish clubs or Scottish supporters’ organisations as part of the initial phase of the investigation. However, we keep an open mind on the parties we could approach and would also accept any representations.”

When The Sunday Post asked the Scottish FA if it was concerned about the mooted change, a spokesman replied: “The UEFA blocked hours system remains in place and are consistent throughout the UK.

“There are no plans to change this policy.”