Queen of the South issue ANOTHER apology to angry fans after letting George Galloway into their match against Dundee while supporters are locked out, admitting it was ‘a total error’ not to revoke invite that was sent out before tough restrictions came in
- Politician George Galloway sparked anger by attending a match on Boxing Day
- Ex-Labour MP Galloway and his family went to Queen of the South vs Dundee
- Scotland’s tier 4 restrictions strictly prohibit guests from attending fixtures
- But Galloway, a future Queens sponsor, defended his decision to go to the game
Second-tier Scottish side Queen of the South have doubled down on their apology after breaking the country’s tier 4 rules in allowing politician George Galloway to attend a match.
The former Labour Party MP watched Allan Johnston’s side host Dundee on Boxing Day, breaking Scotland’s Covid restrictions.
Galloway tweeted a picture of the Scottish Championship match at Palmerston Park, Dumfries on Saturday, sparking anger of supporters unable to attend.
Both the 66-year-old and Dundee midfielder Charlie Adam – who was mentioned in the tweet – were the target of ire on social media.
George Galloway (left) was at the Queen of the South game on Boxing Day
Former Labour MP Galloway attended the match at Palmerston, Dumfries with his entire family
Queen of the South were quick to apolgise at the weekend but made a second statement on Monday, expanding on their initial apology.
It read: ‘Reflecting on our statement to the fans last night we realise that we should have given a fuller apology. 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.
‘We however accept we should’ve readdressed the decision once the rules changed and informed Mr Galloway he could no longer attend the match. We realise it was a total error of judgement 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 we fully accept and understand their anger. It was a genuine mistake that shouldn’t have been made.’
Despite anger on social media, Galloway defended his presence as a future sponsor of the club
Galloway tweeted this picture showing the view he had of the action
The Queens, for whom Galloway is reportedly becoming a sponsor, may receive disciplinary action from the SPFL.
The initial club statement on Sunday said: ‘We can confirm that George Galloway did attend our game against Dundee at Palmerston.
‘He was socially distant within an area of the ground where he formed a bubble with his family. All Covid protocols were followed at all times. We would like to apologise to our supporters who have been upset by his attendance at the match.’
But rather than apologise, Galloway defended his decision.
Dundee’s Charlie Adam, mentioned in Galloway’s tweet, was also a target of ire on social media
He replied on Twitter: ‘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. Are you sure you want to speak in this way?’
Controversial firebrand Galloway was an MP for Labour then the left-wing Respect Party and is now a radio and TV presenter.
He created headlines in January 2006 as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother when he pretended to be a cat, licking milk from the hands of housemate Rula Lenska.
Queen of the South, who lost 3-1 to Dundee in front of Galloway, travel to Raith on Tuesday rock bottom of the league.