Show Racism The Red Card has written to UEFA about the SFAs attitude to Douglas Ross.
The Tory MP for Moray revealed his true colours when in a video interview he revealed that if he was Prime Minister for a day his priority would ‘like to see tougher enforcement against gypsies and travellers’.
To top up his Westminster salary Ross is one of the leading young referees in Scotland and is a regular on the line at top division matches.
Over the last couple of weeks he has waved his flag at Celtic v St Johnstone and St Johnstone v Hibs and tomorrow he’ll be on the line at the Aberdeen v Kilmarnock match.
After referring his video comments to their in-house Compliance Officer Ross has avoided any disciplinary action and can continue picking up match fees from Scottish football fans.
Responding to that vindication SRTRC stated: “Show Racism the Red Card has written to both the Scottish Football Association as well as the Union of European Football Associations regarding the S.F.A not finding sufficient evidence that Douglas Ross breached the rule prohibiting officials from making comments of a discriminatory nature based on race or ethnicity.
“Ross’ comments are a blatant display of racism and only serve to entrench divides and create a culture of intolerance toward Gypsy and Travelling communities: ‘Illegal and unauthorised gypsy traveller encampments are a significant problem with the settled community continually complaining that gypsy travellers receive preferential treatment’. Ross would only have to read the recently published ‘Is Scotland Fairer’ report to know that Gypsy and Travelling Communities are the most disenfranchised groups across all indicators and Ross’ comments are irresponsible and only serve to further marginalise Gypsy and Travelling community members.
“Moreover, under the McPherson definition of racism, Show Racism the Red Card perceives Ross’ comments to be racist. So while the S.F.A may not consider it to be a breach of Policy, we deem this to be a racist incident under the law. Similarly, Amnesty International and a number of organisations have contacted us regarding this along with concerned community members as they too perceive it to be a racist incident.
“To this end, just like all leaders, the S.F.A are in a position of power and its actions as an organisation set a precedent to communities throughout Scotland and we are disappointed that the S.F.A are not using its powers to set an example based on Rights respecting values and equality for all.
“Moreover, if the Conservative Party has recognised the need for Equality and Diversity training for Douglas Ross, the S.F.A should take a stand too.
“In the same breath however, we do need to recognise all of the in-kind support that the S.F.A give our organisation but we feel in this instance, it is irresponsible to overlook Ross’ divisive comments.”
With the SFA currently stalling on Celtic’s request for an independent review they may find that UEFA starts to take an interest in other matters of governance.