The decision of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame committee and the Scottish Football Association to withdraw the nomination of Paul Gascoigne to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, once again highlights the incredible hypocrisy of Scottish football’s governing bodies.
As far as Club 1872 is aware, moral issues are not the dominion of the Hall of Fame committee however it now appears there is a moral test which some individuals must pass to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The SFA and the committee should clarify whether they will be assessing the moral fibre of all past and future entries using this test. If Hall of Fame positions are to be judged on contribution to the Scottish game then there is no question that Paul Gascoigne should be honoured. If not, then many more than him will need to be stripped of this accolade or be deemed ineligible for induction.
The SFA recently released the new Scotland kit and used a player convicted on racism related charges as the pin-up boy for their marketing campaign. They also employ another individual in a high profile position who has previously made headlines for overtly racist, sexist and homophobic comments. SFA board members indicated no concern whatsoever when these individuals took prominent roles in promoting and running their organisation. They should now publicly clarify which SFA board members objected and if any attempts were made to influence the committee to withdraw the nomination.
Aside from the hypocrisy of the SFA we are also extremely concerned by the attempt to blame Paul’s health for the reversal of the nomination. On the back of Mental Health Awareness Day, this reference is not only offensive but irresponsible, and demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of mental health issues.
Club 1872 wishes Paul all the best with his health challenges and we hope that the Rangers family and wider football community will be able to provide him with the support that has been so lacking in this troubling and shameful episode.
Issued by Supporters Voice Limited, a Club 1872 company
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