SCOTTISH FOOTBALL AND THE MEMBER FOR HAMILTON NORTH AND BELSHILL

Early day motion 624, tabled 8 January 2002 by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party). Signed by 6 members.

That this House rejects the remarks of the honourable Member for Hamilton North and Belshill on BBC Radio on 2nd January, in which he insulted non-Old Firm members of the Scottish Premier League by describing them as 'largely unknown Scottish teams', and emphasised the sectarian aspect of support for Celtic and Rangers by saying that it represented a 'new dimension' for the Old Firm internationally, at a time when the clubs and many others are working hard to eradicate religious sectarianism from all walks of life in Scotland; and urges public figures to speak with more care and respect when discussing their personal preferences for the future of Scottish football.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 4, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.