By PAUL DRURY
Published: 28 Nov 2009
PLANS to stage an anti-Israel protest at Parkhead during Celtic's match against Hapoel Tel-Aviv sparked fury last night.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress urged Hoops fans to wave Palestinian flags during the clubs' Europa League game on Wednesday.
They want supporters to show opposition to the Israeli invasion of Gaza a year ago in which 1,400 died.
But last night Celtic said they were "extremely concerned" by the protest plans. A spokesman added: "Celtic Park is no place for a political demonstration. Our primary concern is that event safety may be compromised."
Celtic also warned any demo may result in the club being punished by UEFA.
And Dr Ken Collins, a former president of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, said: "Any attempt to use sport to divide people is completely wrong." The STUC wrote to both clubs explaining it wanted to support "lasting peace" between Israel and Palestine.
Former Lord Provost and Celtic fan Alex Mosson***, 69, said he intends to wear a Palestinian flag at the match. He said: "I fully support this."
Hapoel were unavailable for comment last night.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/346224.stm
***
Alex Mosson (Ex Lord Provost and convicted criminal)
MOSSON ELECTED DESPITE CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS.
From: Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)
Date: May 18, 1999
Author: Currie, Brian; McCOLM, EUAN
CONVICTED criminal Alex Mosson is the new Lord Provost of Glasgow.
The Labour politician will become the public face of Scotland's largest city despite convictions for assault and housebreaking.
Colleagues in the Labour Group of Glasgow City Council voted by a clear majority for Mosson to take over the high-profile civic role, which will pay him £24,000 a year of public money.
Reformed alcoholic Mosson will also become Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow - the Queen's official representative in the city.
Last night, the 58-year-old said: "My colleagues have placed their trust in me and I won't let them down.
"I'm looking forward to working with a unified group and taking Glasgow into the Millennium.
"I've overcome my past difficulties with the support of my family and today with the help of the Labour Party."
The Record exclusively revealed yesterday that Mosson had been jailed for nine months for assault and six months for housebreaking.
Shortly after we broke the story, desperate Mosson spoke to a local newspaper in an 11th-hour bid to salvage his tarnished reputation.
Playing for the sympathy vote, the politician blamed his battle with alcoholism for his violent behaviour.
He told how he sank so low that he once broke into a pub to satisfy his craving for drink.
The councillor for Anderston said: "The convictions were part of my problem.
"It is something I am not proud of, but it is a fact that with the support of my wife and my family and my faith I have overcome that problem.
"I overcame the problem of alcoholism and I have worked on behalf of the people of Anderston since 1984."
Saying he has been sober for the past 21 years, Mosson added: "Because of my own illness, I have been able to identify and assist others in similar positions.
"I have represented the city at home and abroad with dignity."
Unemployed Mosson, who lives in a plush Victorian home in Glasgow's upmarket west end, will now take home a hefty salary and enjoy countless perks of office.
He is entitled to the use of a chauffeur-driven limousine, and will preside over lavish functions within the opulent City Chambers. On the international stage, he will represent Glasgow's 620,000 people.
Mosson's supporters argued that he was a worthy candidate for the job of Lord Provost because his convictions from the late 1960s are now "spent".
Although Mosson enjoys that protection, employees of Glasgow City Council working in areas such as social work and education have no option but to reveal details of their past crimes.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which usually prevents such convictions being disclosed after a set time, is not applied.
Yesterday, the Scottish Office admitted that the new Secretary of State, John Reid, would not be able to prevent Mosson becoming the Queen's representative in Glasgow.
Of the 32 Lord Lieuten-ants in Scotland, 28 are recommended by the Scottish Secretary.
But the four city Lord Provosts are appointed by their councils.
A spokesman for the Scottish Office said: "For the 28 Lord Lieutenants selected by the Secretary of State, obviously the appropriate calibre of person is looked for."
But he added: "The Secretary of State cannot intervene when it comes to a Lord Provost."
In yesterday's election, Mosson won 41 votes from the Labour Group, with challengers Bill Timoney and Bashir Maan receiving 23 and 10 votes respectively.
Councillor Jean Macey was chosen as deputy Lord Provost.
Councillor Charlie Gordon was elected unopposed as council leader, and Jim Coleman is his deputy. All the positions will be formally confirmed at a full council meeting on Thursday.
Last night, an SNP spokesman said of Mosson's new role: "This shows that nothing has changed with Labour in Glasgow. It's the same old cronyism.
"This is an embarrassment for the Labour Party."
Liberal Democrat councillor Dr Christopher Mason added: "I am very concerned at this."
A Labour Party spokesman said: "The appointment of Lord Provost is a matter for the elected representatives on Glasgow City Council."
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