SNP MP attacked after suggesting only England has football hooligan problem

An SNP MP has been criticised for suggesting England is the only part of the UK with a football hooliganism problem.

Joanna Cherry. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Joanna Cherry claimed there was a “recurring issue of English fans’ hooliganism”, and said the UK government should follow the Scottish Government’s example in dealing with football-related violence.

In a debate on violence at Euro 2016, Ms Cherry said there was an undercurrent of racism to the clashes and warned “English fans will not be welcome abroad” if problems persist.

Home Secretary Theresa May said hooliganism “can erupt anywhere with any group of fans”, while Labour MP Toby Perkins tweeted that it was “disgraceful” to use violence scenes to “promote the course of separation”.