DOUGLAS Ross has apologised after missing a VJ Day memorial to officiate a football match.
The Scottish Tory leader, who was a linesman during yesterday’s game between Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, was accused of disrespecting Second World War heroes.
The Moray MP had been invited to take part in a constituency ceremony in Forres to mark the 75th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.
Approached about the issue last night, a spokesman for Ross said the Scottish Tory chief “reflected on VJ Day privately and marked the two-minute silence at 11am”.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross skips VJ Day memorial to referee a football match
Ross has now issued an apology, saying his £445 match fee will be donated to Help for Heroes.
He stated: “I was selected to officiate a game before I was invited to the VJ Day event, and I offered apologies in advance that I could not attend.
“I had not anticipated there being an official VJ Day event given the current restrictions due to Covid, but when it became clear there was a conflict, I should have asked to be taken off my game. I got this wrong and I apologise.
“I am a proud and passionate supporter of the Armed Forces and our veterans. I represent a constituency with a significant military presence and have worked with local and national charities supporting veterans throughout my time as an elected representative."
READ MORE: Three other times Douglas Ross' refereeing landed him in hot water
He added: “I made an error of judgement here and apologise to any veteran who was offended. I will be donating my match fee from the game to Help for Heroes, a charity that does so much across the country supporting our veterans every day of the year.”
The Scottish Tory leader says he will continue his role as a football official, but has vowed to avoid future clashes.
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