Queen of the South have been forced to apologise as George Galloway attends the Scottish Championship Boxing Day fixture against Dundee.
The 66-year-old former MP, who was present with his family, tweeted a photo during the game in Dumfries, leaving many fans angry as they couldn’t attend due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The club insists Galloway was given permission to attend when the area of Dumfries was in tier one of lockdown, which permits a partial crowd at games.
But mainland Scotland was put into tier four at midnight on Christmas Day, which forbids stadia being open to spectators, and Queens admit they “should’ve informed Mr Galloway that he could no longer attend the match”.
Our club is a disgrace!!
— Clark Murray (@Clarkyboi01) December 27, 2020
The fact that there is loyal fans that cany get in that havent missed games but they have obviously just let you in because you are a “name”. Im all for more support for the south but leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
— Clark Murray (@Clarkyboi01) December 27, 2020
Clark: I live in D&G. My family have FIVE season tickets. I’m about to be a sponsor. I’m spreading the word about the club to millions of people. Are you sure you want to speak in this way?
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) December 27, 2020
Queen of the South wrote on Sunday: “We can confirm that George Galloway did attend our game against Dundee at Palmerston yesterday.
“He was socially distant within an area of the ground where he formed a bubble with his family. All Covid protocols were followed at all times.
“We would like to apologise to our supporters who have been upset by his attendance at the match.”
We would like to apologise to our supporters who have been upset by the attendance of George Galloway at our game v Dundee. > https://t.co/UBTyeyZYbx pic.twitter.com/KbZlxpwyxv
— Queen of the South (@OfficialQosFC) December 27, 2020
They then issued a further statement on Monday, saying: “Reflecting on our statement to the fans last night we realise that we should have given a fuller apology.
“George Galloway was granted permission to attend our game against Dundee when Dumfries and Galloway was in tier one and fans were being allowed back into matches. We however accept that we should’ve readdressed the decision once the rules changed and should’ve informed Mr Galloway that he could no longer attend the match.
“We realise it was a total error of judgement and we should have been more considerate of our loyal supporters.
“We would again like to issue an unreserved apology to our fans and would like to reassure them that we fully accept and understand their anger. It was a genuine mistake that shouldn’t have been made.
“As we navigate our way through some tough times both on and off the park your valued support is needed more than ever.”
Galloway, who originally tagged Dundee’s Charlie Adam in his tweet during the first half, took to social media to defend himself, claiming that he lives in Dumfries and Galloway, has a season ticket and “is about to become a sponsor”.
Fans reacted as Queen of the South are forced to apologise as George Galloway attends the Boxing Day fixture…
@TheBoabie: You’ve invited him… with his family… During a tier 4 lockdown… When your loyal, paying fans are NOT ALLOWED to attend due to restrictions… Restrictions that apply to EVERYONE! I hope you get hammered by the SFA and the police!
@MacNaBracha: I hope @ScottishFA and @policescotland take QotS to the cleaners.
@SpacemanDad: Are you apologising because you invited him to spectate at a stadium event in a level 4 area or because people have complained?
@one_scottish: I think it’s because no other fans can attend matches but it’s a different rule for the Ronald Villiers tribute act
@dweatherston11: Absolutely loves my time at QoS, and if I was one of the loyal fans who are at every home game I’d be absolutely furious at this. Really really poor from the club
@Cheese1138: The best bit about his attendance was his feeling of self entitlement, that he was famous and might give you some sponsorship money so deserved his seat.
@GillDurham: We used to sponsor QOS and thought about renewing the pitch side advertising, not a chance in hell now. Disgusted
@GraeMcG: What essential purpose were he and his family performing at the match? is he a Dundee Director? if the answer is none and no, you’re breaking @ScottishFA Covid protocols.
@lesherring3: Let’s hope the @ScottishFA sanction you for this. No other club is allowed supporters in the stadium.
@Paul4Jags: In the midst of a global pandemic, with laws and regulations in place to minimise the risk of people travelling, mixing and spreading a deadly disease, in what possible way was it legitimate to have him and his “family bubble” attend your match?
@greig_corbett: Laughing stock of a club after this! Don’t give a fuck if he has got a season ticket and willing to sponsor the club no one is meant to be in too watch ! Rules are rules and how he and his family have been allowed in too watch is a joke.
@StigNordkil: Absolutely fuming with club. Trying to say they followed covid protocol when him being there breaks them. Not just him but family too. And he clearly supported Dundee
So is he a director?…. otherwise looks like you have broken the rules pic.twitter.com/UvQDzScKth
— Clark Gillies (@wanderer1982) December 27, 2020
People aren’t allowed to attend. There’s no prohibition on cats
— King Jobbie (@kingjobbie) December 27, 2020
Whits worse is that they apologise to supporters who’ve been upset, not for inviting him in the first place.
Hope the @ScottishFA investigate the circumstances and punish them appropriately— Colin Cameron (@SpacemanDad) December 27, 2020
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