POLICE Scotland has spoken to the football club which allowed George Galloway to attend despite strict level 4 Covid regulations, but will take no further action on the matter, according to a police spokesperson.
The spokesperson had previously said police were “looking into” George Galloway’s attendance at a Boxing Day football match amid concerns Covid rules were ignored.
The Unionist politician, who has announced various plans to run for a seat at Westminster and Holyrood, went to watch Queen of the South (QoS) play Dundee on Boxing Day.
The Dumfries-based club lost 3-1, a result which Galloway tweeted from the stadium on December 26.
However, the whole of mainland Scotland was placed under Covid level 4 restrictions from one minute past midnight on that same day, meaning no guests or fans should have been allowed to attend the match. Also, all but essential travel is prohibited.
Queen of the South 1- @Charlie26Adam 3 The auld yin abune them a’ pic.twitter.com/5aIZAjarml
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) December 26, 2020
Police Scotland had said it was “looking into the matter to establish if any offences were committed and whether any further action may be appropriate”.
However, they have now said: "We have spoken to Queen of the South to explain the legislation and remind the club of their responsibilities to comply with the law.
"Police Scotland will not be taking any further action in relation to this matter."
QoS has also now issued a second apology, after the first was poorly received by fans on social media.
The club yesterday said they “would like to apologise to our supporters who have been upset by [Galloway’s] attendance at the match”.
The apology drew ire from supporters of the club, one of whom said: “This just sounds like you're sorry that they're upset. What you *should* be apologising for is letting him in at all.”
READ MORE: Football club 'sorry' for letting George Galloway attend despite Covid rules
Former QoS player David Weatherston added: “Absolutely loved my time at QoS, and if I was one of the loyal fans who are at every home game I'd be absolutely furious at this. Really really poor from the club.”
Now, in a second statement, the club have said that they “realise that we should have given a fuller apology”.
They go on: “George Galloway was granted permission to attend our game against Dundee when Dumfries and Galloway was in tier one and fans were being allowed back into matches. We however accept that we should’ve readdressed the decision once the rules changed and should’ve informed Mr Galloway that he could no longer attend the match.
The Board would like to issue a fuller apology to supporters. > https://t.co/dn6cAdlX5O pic.twitter.com/YwhYDoewQn
— Queen of the South (@OfficialQosFC) December 28, 2020
“We realise it was a total error of judgment and we should have been more considerate of our loyal supporters.
“We would again like to issue an unreserved apology to our fans and would like to reassure them that we fully accept and understand their anger. It was a genuine mistake that shouldn’t have been made.
“As we navigate our way through some tough times both on and off the park your valued support is needed more than ever.”
There has been no apology made by Galloway, who has instead insisted that he “broke no law”, adding: “Although the law is in fact a capricious click of [Nicola] Sturgeon’s finger. And is an ass.”
Elsewhere he added: “Lol. I didn’t of course break any Covid protocols. They were followed to the letter as the club said. Unlike #ResignSturgeon #Resign Ferrier.”
The politician claimed: “I live in D&G [Dumfries and Galloway]. My family have FIVE season tickets. I’m about to be a sponsor. I’m spreading the word about the club to millions of people.”
Galloway has been approached for further comment.
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