We Must Protect Scottish Football

Labour leadership contender Cathy Jamieson said that nothing should get in the way of Scotland's continuing participation in international football.

She said that it would be wrong to lose Scotland's place in international football for the sake of entering a Team GB football team in the next Olympics.

She also said that we should explore the home nations going into a play off for the right to be the Team GB contender.

Ms Jamieson said:

"Scotland has a long international footballing tradition and I would not do anything to jeopardise that.

"The best way forward is for a deal to be reached that will both allow a Team GB football side but also ensure the home nations' international football future.

"The Nationalists say they want a Scottish Olympics team.

"I think they've completely misread the public on this.

"Most Scots are happy to celebrate Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins as great sportsmen.

"I want the Football and Olympic Authorities to sit down and work out a solution.

"One option could be a Home Nations football tournament with the winner representing the UK at the Olympics.

"Team GB should include a football team, but not at the expense of Scotland's football team.

"It would be wrong to gamble with the identity of Scotland's football team."

Ms Jamieson's comments come after her call for 2014 to be a Scottish Year of Sport to coincide with the Commonwealth Games.

She said that the most fitting tribute to Team GB's Beijing glory would be to ensure that there is 'a revolution in sport for Scotland's youngsters'.



Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ