Mike Tyson visit to Scotland sparks new protests

Published on Sunday 25 May 2008 22:45

A ROW has broken out over a planned visit to Scotland by former boxer Mike Tyson.

The one-time world champion, who is a convicted rapist, is due to appear at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on Saturday for An Evening with Mike Tyson.

Stewart Maxwell, the communities minister, said yesterday that the event was in "bad taste" and has called for Holyrood to be given control of visa issues.

But Barry Hughes, the event's promoter, said Tyson had served a jail sentence for his crime and should not be further punished.

The former boxer's last visit to Scotland, in 2000, for a fight, sparked street protests from some organisations.

Mr Maxwell said: "The SNP and women's groups were highly critical of Mike Tyson being able to stage his fight in Glasgow in 2000, given his conviction for rape, and this latest event is in similarly bad taste."

His view was backed by Lily Greenan, the manager of Scottish Women's Aid, who said: "We strongly disagree with the move for this event to go ahead and for this convicted rapist to be allowed into Scotland."

Mr Hughes said: "Mike Tyson has served his time in prison. How can they expect him to be punished more than once for something he had already been found guilty of?

"I would like people to remember Mike Tyson for the good times in his career."