Douglas Ross apologises for missing VJ event to officiate football match

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has issued an apology after missing a VJ day event in order to officiate at a Scottish Premiership football match.
Douglas Ross apologised for missing VJ day eventDouglas Ross apologised for missing VJ day event
Douglas Ross apologised for missing VJ day event

The 37-year-old admitted that he made an “error of judgement” and has pledged to donate his match fee for the game to the Help for Heroes veterans charity.

The Moray MP served as a linesman during the match between Kilmarnock and St Johnstone on Saturday and was unable to attend a constituency event to honour WW2 veterans in Forres.

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In a statement today, he said: “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.

“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.”

Mr Ross has pledged to avoid such clashes in the future but says he will continue to officiate at matches.

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