SCOTTISH Tory leader Douglas Ross is due to run the line at tomorrow’s UEFA Nations League game in Luxembourg – but he will not have to quarantine on his return to Scotland.
The Moray MP, who is also a linesman, will travel to Luxembourg after working England’s friendly with Wales at Wembley last night.
Luxembourg is on the Scottish Government’s list of countries from where travellers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Scotland due to its high level of coronavirus infections.
The latest estimates for the country put its coronavirus incidence rate at 88 cases per 100,000 residents.
READ MORE: MPs set to receive £3500 pay rise as UK economy faces uncertain future
The Scottish Government allows exemptions for a handful of people, including those working at elite sporting events or travellers engaged in film and TV productions.
As Ross is employed as an assistant for the UEFA Nations League clash he is covered by the exemption for sporting events.
A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said: “Douglas will be fully complying with the Scottish Government guidance on sports people and support workers on specified major sporting events, as a match official supporting the event.”
Ross has officiated at some of Scotland’s biggest games, including the Old Firm and Scottish Cup finals. In December he was added to the FIFA assistant referee list by the Scottish FA.
After becoming Scottish Conservative leader in July, the MP said he would quit his refereeing role if he is elected as first minister next year. He was concerned his presence at matches would be an issue for matchday policing staff.
It is expected that Ross will earn more than £1000 for the work in Luxembourg. At an Iceland v Albania Euro 2020 qualifier in Reykjavik he earned £1406 – and it is thought he earned nearly £2000 for the Bayern Munich v Red Star Belgrade Champions League tie last year.
This is on top of his £81,932 MP salary – which is due to increase by £3360 next year.
Tomorrow's match takes place at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg and kicks off at 2pm.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel