Police launch large operation to arrest 50 online Old Firm hatemongers
More than 50 Old Firm internet hatemongers were last night facing arrest in a series of police raids, writes Donna Watson. A top cop warned: “We’re coming to get you”, as the operation to crush the bigots was launched. A crack team will carry out the raids before tomorrow’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox. They [...]
One young footballer sacked and three face the boot over Neil Lennon messages
A young footballer has been sacked by his club and three others are facing the boot over sick online messages in the wake of the Neil Lennon bomb scandal. Clyde youth Max McKee was thrown out after posting a callous and provocative comment about the Celtic boss on Twitter. At St Mirren, under-19 player Josh [...]
Parcel bomb lawyer Paul McBride in sectarianism warning
A lawyer who was sent a parcel bomb last week has said there must be a co-ordinated approach towards tackling sectarianism in the west of Scotland. Paul McBride QC said there were hundreds of websites spreading hate and encouraging others to commit violence. Strathclyde Police are investigating the sending of four parcel bombs. Two were [...]
1000 extra police on duty for Old Firm clash
A thousand extra cops will be on duty for Sunday’s Old Firm game after police chiefs warned of a “perfect storm” brewing around the match. Strathclyde Chief Constable Stephen House said the vital SPL clash would be staged on a holiday weekend – and in hot weather likely to fuel heavy drinking. And he admitted [...]
Salmond appeals to 'decent majority' on sectarianism
First Minister Alex Salmond has called on the “decent majority” in Scotland to overcome the “blight” of sectarianism. Speaking after a cabinet sub-committee meeting on the police investigation into the parcel bombs posted to Neil Lennon, Paul McBride QC and former Labour MSP Trish Godman, Mr Salmond said bigotry was unacceptable whether it took place [...]
Bigots on ScotRail service threw Buckfast bottles and sang sectarian songs
Three drunken Rangers fans dressed as superheroes started a fight with rival supporters on a train, a court heard yesterday. One of the yobs hurled a Buckfast bottle at a man, breaking his nose and eye socket, while the other two screamed sectarian abuse. Darren Kelly, Michael McGookin and Gary Miller picked fights with other [...]
Cop chief predicts Old Firm carnage
Scotland’s most powerful cop last night predicted Easter Sunday’s Old Firm clash will see an explosion in stabbings, assaults, domestic abuse – and rapes. Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House fears the shocking rise in violent crime will be sparked by a deadly cocktail of the holiday weekend, baking heat and booze. He said: “It’s [...]
Church of England in 'sham marriage' crackdown
The Church of England is to issue new guidance to clergy in an attempt to reduce the number of sham marriages. In future, couples will have to apply for a licence if either the bride or groom is from a non-European country. Members of the clergy are also being urged to report any suspicions they [...]
Old Firm players praised over final conduct
Both Rangers and Celtic have been praised for leading by example during yesterday’s showpiece cup final that ended in a 2-1 win for Rangers in extra time. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill joined fans at Hampden Park for the adrenaline packed 120-minute match which was hailed as an advert for Scottish football. Strathclyde Police and government [...]
Sex abuse preacher resurfaces in Scotland as rebel rabbi
A preacher jailed for child abuse can today be exposed after he tried to build a new identity – as a rebel rabbi, writes Stephen Stewart. Former student minister Ronald Chalmers was booted out of the Reverend Ian Paisley’s church in Ulster when he was locked up for three years for a sex attack on [...]
