Picture copyright PA Media Pictu
Picture copyright
PA Media
Douglas Ross is a professional soccer referee
The chief of the Scottish Conservatives has apologised for lacking a VJ Day occasion to work as a linesman at a soccer match.
Douglas Ross mentioned he was mistaken to officiate on the Scottish Premiership recreation relatively than attend a two-minute silence in his Moray constituency.
His apology got here after his absence was highlighted on the entrance web page of the Sunday Mail.
It sparked criticism from opponents, together with Labour MSP Neil Findlay.
He advised the paper that the MP’s resolution “exhibits his appalling judgement and, frankly, his vanity too”.
The apology comes lower than two weeks after Mr Ross was confirmed because the chief of the Scottish Conservatives following the resignation of Jackson Carlaw.
- Who’s Scots Tory chief Douglas Ross?
- Douglas Ross confirmed as new Scottish Tory chief
The MP, who can also be a professional soccer referee, was a linesman on the match between Kilmarnock and St Johnstone at Rugby Park.
In an announcement issued on Sunday morning, the MP mentioned he was chosen to officiate at a recreation earlier than he was invited to the VJ Day occasion.
He provided his apologies upfront that he couldn’t attend.
“I had not anticipated there being an official VJ Day occasion given the present restrictions attributable to Covid, however when it turned clear there was a battle, I ought to have requested to be taken off my recreation,” he added.
“I bought this mistaken and I apologise.”
Mr Ross mentioned he would donate his match charge to the veterans charity Assist for Heroes.
“I’m a proud and passionate supporter of the Armed Forces and our veterans,” he added.
“I characterize a constituency with a major army presence and have labored with native and nationwide charities supporting veterans all through my time as an elected consultant.
“I made an error of judgement right here and apologise to any veteran who was offended.”
Regardless of the pandemic, a collection of occasions had been held throughout the UK to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day – the day World Conflict Two ended with Japan’s give up.
The Prince of Wales led a two-minute silence on the Nationwide Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
And within the Scotland crowds watched the Pink Arrows over Ayrshire. Their deliberate flight over Edinburgh Fortress was cancelled because of the climate.