Robin Newton MBE MLA

Robin Newton, East Belfast DUP MLA has condemned the Scottish Trades Union Congress for dragging politics in to sport. The East Belfast MLA was speaking out after the organisation called on Glasgow Celtic fans to wave Palestinian flags at the forthcoming fixture against Hapoel Tel Aviv, from Israel.

Robin Newton MLA said,

“For many in the leadership of the trade unions Israel-bashing and anti-Americanism is the highest priority. Indeed, I would question if many rank-and-file union members are even aware of the sort of political meddling and stunts that their subscription fees are being used to promote.  This latest example from the Scottish TUC, urging people to wave Palestinian flags at an Israeli football team is another instance of frankly offensive behaviour being promoted by trades unions. I would call on Celtic FC to indicate they want no part of this stunt.

Here in Northern Ireland not so long ago we had a disgusting protest outside IFA Headquarters when the Israeli national team where playing our country and before that the flags and emblems of terrorist organisations were displayed in a protest against Israel at the front of the City Hall. There is an ugly streak of anti-Semitism in these protests.

Sport and politics should be kept separate. What a shame these Scottish TUC Israel-bashers didn’t spend as much time defending their members interests in the worst economic downturn in 70 years, as they do attacking the only functioning democracy in the Middle East.”