The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ross would quit football duties if he becomes FM
New leader of the Scottish Tories vows to hang up his boots if elected – and issues warning to clubs over Covid
New Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross has revealed he will quit his second job as a football linesman if he becomes first minister of Scotland.
The Moray MP has been adamant he wanted to continue officiating at matches since he was elected unopposed to succeed Jackson Carlaw earlier this week.
He was previously criticised for travelling to Europe for officiating duties instead of appearing at the House of Commons.
He confirmed to journalists yesterday he would have no choice but to “hang up my boots”, should he ever be elected first minister.
He said: “There is, in my view, enough pressure on the clubs, the match commanders, police etc, to ensure everything is done as safely as possible within our stadiums.
“And I think an added element of potentially one of the match officials being first minister of Scotland does add unnecessary strain to an already sometimes hostile and difficult environment.
“And I think it would make sense at that stage for me to hang up my boots and continue to support Scottish football.
“Indeed, I would still be a strong advocate for Scottish refereeing, and the time would then be for someone younger to come in and take my place.”
Mr Ross is already scheduled to be one of the assistant referees for the Rangers v St Mirren match tomorrow.
The former Moray councillor, who has been an assistant referee at highprofile European ties as well as Scottish Premiership games, also issued a warning about the coronavirus outbreak that has rocked Aberdeen FC.
The Dons game against St Johnstone in Perth today has been called off, after two Aberdeen players tested positive and six others were told to self-isolate.
“If we get spikes within clubs then that threatens not just the continuation of the Premiership, that has just started, but also the lower leagues coming in and getting back to football as well.”