DOUGLAS ROSS,
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has issued an apology after missing a VJ day event to officiate at a Scottish Premiership football match.
The Moray MP served as a linesman during the match between Kilmarnock and St Johnstone on Saturday and was unable to attend a constituency event to honour World War Two veterans in Forres, but admitted he got it wrong following criticism.
The 37-year-old admitted that he made an “error of judgement” and has pledged to donate his £445 match fee for the game to the Help for Heroes veterans’ charity.
“I was selected to officiate a game before I was invited to the VJ Day event, and I offered apologies in advance that I could not attend,” he said.
“I had not anticipated there being an official VJ Day event given the current restrictions due to Covid, but when it became clear there was a conflict, I should have asked to be taken off my game. I got this wrong and I apologise.
“I am a proud and passionate supporter of the Armed Forces and our veterans. I represent a constituency with a significant military presence and have worked with local and national charities supporting veterans throughout my time as an elected representative.
“I made an error of judgement here and apologise to any veteran who was offended. I will be donating my match fee from the game to Help for Heroes, a charity that does so much across the country supporting our veterans every day of the year.”
Mr Ross has pledged to avoid such clashes in the future, but says he will continue to officiate at matches.
Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay accused Mr Ross of being a “part-time MP” and of being “more interested in football” than commemorating VJ Day.
Mr Ross, who replaced Jackson Carlaw as Tory leader in Scotland less than a fortnight ago, has previously faced criticism for missing Commons votes to officiate at matches.
Mr Ross said he would quit his job as a football official if he becomes First Minister after the 2021 Holyrood election because his presence at football matches would cause too many problems for match day policing staff.
He said: “I’ve made it clear I want to continue refereeing. However, that is something that I plan to do as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.”
Mr Ross added: “If I am elected First Minister of Scotland, much to the great delight of football fans across Scotland – and this may help me get to that ultimate office – then I would give up refereeing as First Minister.”