Commonwealth Games spectator ejected over Yes flag

A COMMONWEALTH Games spectator has been escorted from the swimming events for holding up a flag supporting Scottish independence.

A female spectators was ejected from the Tollcross Swimming International Centre in Glasgow after waving a Saltire with 'Yes' emblazoned on it. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Glasgow 2014 organisers released a statement emphasising rules have banned flags carrying a political message from the games following the incident.

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A picture posted on Twitter appeared to show two Police Scotland officers accompanying the woman from the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said that all the officers were doing was “assisting stewards at the venue”.

A Games source confirmed that the woman had been escorted from the venue and suggested that had the woman agreed to put the flag away then she would have been able to stay.

A Glasgow 2014 spokeswoman said: “In our competition venues Glasgow 2014 welcomes all recognised flags associated with competing nations and territories. Flags carrying political messages and slogans are not permitted.

“We urge spectators to come and support the athletes, cheer and wave them on to break records and win medals rather than trying to use the occasion for political purposes.”

Police Scotland later issued a statement saying that officers were acting in line with the ticketing terms and conditions laid down by the Games organisers and that political messages or symbols are not allowed within venues.

The statement said: “Comments suggesting Police Scotland does not allow Saltire flags into venues is inaccurate. Saltire flags are allowed into venues as are flags associated with other competing nations.

“However, flags from non-competing nations or flags affiliated with to other organisations or causes, political or otherwise, are restricted.

“This is outlined in the Glasgow 2014 venue regulations and is part of the ticketing terms and conditions.”

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