Police urged to stop agitator’s match visit

POLICE Scotland are being urged to prevent far-Right extremist Tommy Robinson from attending today’s match between Heart of Midlothian and Rangers in Edinburgh.

The former English Defence League leader announced plans to watch the Scottish Premiership game at Tynecastle Stadium after some Hearts fans posed wearing masks of his face.

But yesterday prominent Hearts figures jointly called on police to prevent him from entering the ground.

Lord George Foulkes, the club’s former chairman, Ian Murray MP and former SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson insisted action should be taken to halt Robinson’s visit.

They said: ‘We condemn any association of Tommy Robinson [real name Stephen Christopher YaxleyLennon] with Scottish football and its fans, Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Rangers Football Club.

‘We urge Police Scotland to do all that is necessary to prevent Robinson from getting to and entering Tynecastle for Sunday’s match in the interests of public safety, public order and public decency.’ Mr Murray said: ‘We must stand together as all faiths and none and supporters of all clubs and none, in solidarity, against those who wish to peddle fascism in society.’

He continued: ‘It is clear Robinson is intent on peddling his politics of hatred at young football supporters in order to sow division and hate.

‘It is not wanted, and the police must do all they can to protect the overwhelming majority of decent supporters who want to attend an enjoyable game of football without his bile.’

Lord Foulkes added: ‘Police Scotland must use the intelligence and resources available to them to keep him away from Tynecastle.

‘If he gets to and inside the stadium there will be trouble which will unfairly discredit the fine name and history of Hearts FC. He is not wanted and not welcome.’

Mr Robertson said ‘fascists’ were not welcome at Tynecastle or indeed any other football ground.

Police Scotland declined to comment on the matter.