Anger over MSP’S message to Celtic fan

● SNP’S John Mason suggests disabled supporter should find a more local club

SNP MSP John Mason told a disabled Celtic fan to think about supporting another team when he raised concerns that parking restrictions at the ground would stop him from going to games.

The Glasgow Shettl est on MS P was contacted by the Newcastle - based Celtic f an, who explained that he is unable to walk for more than 10 minutes. The fan, who is a season ticket holder, expressed concern that a parking ban for match days at Celtic Park would mean he was unable to attend matches.

In an email, Mr Mason said: “Could you think about supporting a smaller more local club that would appreciate your adding to their crowd.”

The Conservative MSP Jeremy Balfour criticised Mr Mason’s remarks. Mr Balfour said: “This is despicable way of responding to a disabled constituent with a very genuine concern. John Mason needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

“If this was an attempt at humour it failed miserably.

“If he was being serious, that’ s a disgraceful position which will make many people wonder if he’s even fit to be an MSP.”

Labour MS P James Kelly said Mr Mason had made an “outrageous comment”.

Mr Kelly said: “Rather than representing the interests of a disabled man who wants to bring his custom and spend his money in John Mason’ s constituency, he is just telling him to go support another football team.

“It’ s a ludicrous response from a politician who has been a constant source of embarrassment for the SNP.”

Mr Mason said the email was only one part of a wide discussion. He said there was a “huge problem” with inappropriate parking around Celtic Park and he supported the council’s proposal to make the area a more controlled parking zone.

Mr Mason said: “In response to several folk raising the question of disabled fans or oth - ers who could not walk far, I have said that there is plenty of room for these fans to park if those who are able to walk 20 minutes would park f ur - ther away in a more considerate manner.

“The parking problem is not caused by disabled fans. It is caused by perfectly able bodied fans( often with very expensive cars !) wanting to park as close as possible to Celtic Park( and I think the other major stadia in the City) with no regard for residents. I hope that clarifies my position.

“However, as a more general point, I am a Clyde supporter and would like to see more fans considering supporting smaller more local teams… like Clyde! ( To be fair to the gentlemen I was chatting to on social media or email, he told me he does also support a local team, so well done to him.)”

AS NP spokesperson said: “No one should have to consider supporting another football club because of lack of disabled facilities – all clubs have a duty to ensure that disabled supporters can access their stadiums and fully enjoy the match day experience. Clubs should be aware of the particular needs of travelling sup - porters.”