SNP accused of trying to smear Douglas Ross

The Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser, said: “This was an outrageous slur on Douglas Ross by the SNP and it is no surprise that the tweet in question has been rapidly deleted.

“It does just reveal the depths to which the SNP operation is prepared to sink to try to smear a political opponent, who they clearly fear.”

The SNP tweet also accused Mr Ross – a top-level, qualified soccer referee – of “missing key debates for a football jaunt”.

In October 2017, Mr Ross missed a House of Commons vote on welfare policy so he could officiate at a Champions League match.

Rather than take part in the debate and vote on Universal Credit, Mr Ross ran the line at the Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, as the home side took on Greek team Olympiakos.

In full, the tweet said: “Long history of racist views. Missing key debates for a football jaunt.

“Voting against protecting our NHS. Always siding with Westminster over Scotland.

“Here’s all you need to know about Douglas Ross, the likely next Scottish Tory leader.”

A spokesman for Mr Ross said: “It’s disappointing that the SNP are choosing to stoop to this kind of thing.

“Douglas is going to remain focused on his positive message of ending the last decade of division and setting out an ambitious plan to move Scotland forward.”

A SNP spokeswoman said: “Douglas Ross received widespread criticism for his inflammatory and divisive comments about Gypsy/ Travellers, including from Amnesty International.”

Picture: PA. Moray MP Douglas Ross is running to be leader of the Scottish Conservatives.