MURDO Fraser has been told he should be “ashamed of himself” after claiming the SNP are prejudiced against Rangers Football Club.
The Scottish Tory MSP, who is a supporter of the team, has claimed in a column that Nicola Sturgeon’s party has a “problem” with the Ibrox club.
But he has been rebuked by a Glasgow councillor, who says SNP colleagues have been targeted by thugs as a result of “baseless conspiracy theories concerning Rangers”.
In an article for The Scotsman, Fraser writes: “I can think of supporters of both Celtic and Rangers among the ranks of Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians in Scotland. But whilst there are a number of high profile Celtic fans within the SNP ranks, I cannot think of a single SNP MP or MSP who identifies as a Rangers supporter. Indeed, too often we seem to see naked hostility towards the club and its fans.”
The MSP says a “small minority” of the club’s supporters are “responsible for disorder and unacceptable behaviour”, but insists the majority have “no time for mindless sectarianism or bigotry”.
He points to Nicola Sturgeon’s response to Rangers fans trashing Glasgow city centre during their title celebration, suggesting the club was treated disproportionately harshly.
The Mid-Scotland and Fife representative also takes aim at Humza Yousaf, who commented on a video which appeared to show celebrating Rangers players chanting a sectarian song. The then-justice secretary said any players found guilty of anti-Catholic hatred should be sacked “if (and I stress if) this clip is genuine”.
I have also been made aware of this clip, if (and I stress if) this clip is genuine then any player or staff member found to be guilty of anti-Catholic hatred should be shown the door by the Club.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) May 17, 2021
It is right Police Scot investigate & determine the facts around it. https://t.co/wRyI5ZP4Tz
READ MORE: Murdo Fraser under fire for 'indescribably irresponsible' mass gathering tweet
Police Scotland later concluded there was “no criminality” related to the video. Fraser dubbed Yousaf’s response “extraordinary”, as well as claiming SNP MSP James Dornan “would find an anti-Catholic conspiracy in a discarded orange peel”.
“It is not surprising that there is an attitude of mutual distrust between the SNP and many Rangers fans,” Fraser concludes.
“Perhaps it suits the SNP to demonise an institution which is culturally identified with British unionism and support for the monarchy. If working-class unionists can all be caricatured as red-faced anti-Catholic bigots, then won’t that help build support for Scottish independence?”
The comments were condemned by SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter.
She replied: “Murdo Fraser should be ashamed of himself.
“I have colleagues who have required police protection as a consequence of baseless conspiracy theories concerning Rangers.
“It's fine promoting this stuff from Perthshire, he doesn't have to live with the consequences. Coward.”
Murdo Fraser should be ashamed of himself. I have colleagues who have required police protection as a consequence of baseless conspiracy theories concerning Rangers. It's fine promoting this stuff from Perthshire, he doesn't have to live with the consequences. Coward.
— Mhairi Hunter (@MhairiHunter) August 4, 2021
READ MORE: Four further arrests linked to Rangers fan riot brings total to more than 50
The Tory MSP landed himself in hot water at the time of the Rangers title celebrations.
Thousands of supporters ignored Covid-19 warnings and massed in George Square after Rangers’ last game of their victorious Scottish Premiership season on May 15.
A dedicated inquiry team was set up following large scale disorder during which there were 47 injuries to police officers.
Some 50 people have since been arrested, while the council had to spend more than £60,000 on repairs to damaged statues, scaffolding, traffic lights and security fences.
Fraser was accused of being “indescribably irresponsible” ahead of the carnage, when he tweeted: “I hope all Rangers fans will celebrate responsibly tomorrow, esp given the spike in Glasgow Covid cases. Sadly I fear such calls are undermined by some politicians actively encouraging street protests yesterday. Can’t be one rule for some and another for others.”
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