MSPs urge Tyson U-turn

Frank Warren is promising a major sporting event

The Scottish Parliament's sports committee is to ask the Scottish Football Association to reconsider hosting the Mike Tyson fight at Hampden.

After a heated discussion on Tuesday, members voted to reject an amendment calling for the Scottish Executive to ensure the bout does not go ahead.

But they agreed to write to the SFA to outline their views and urge a U-turn.

MSPs will also suggest that the association considers backing an anti-domestic violence initiative.

Jenny Jones: feels the government has weakened

Earlier in the day, Labour MP Jenny Jones, the MP for Wolverhampton south-west, said that allowing Tyson to fight in Glasgow has weakened the UK Government's stance on violence against women.

She was speaking during a debate in Westminster Hall, in which other Labour backbenchers criticised the decision to admit the convicted rapist for a bout at Hampden on 24 June.

The controversial match against Lou Saverese was raised briefly during Scottish Questions in the Commons.

MPs have warned that, if the contest does go ahead, Tyson must not be allowed to attempt to become a role model for youngsters as he did when he visited Brixton in London before his previous UK fight earlier this year.

The Scottish Parliament will debate the controversy on Wednesday.

'Weakened poistion'

Ms Jones said: "I really do wonder what signals this decision sends out to everybody in this country.

"I personally feel that it has actually weakened the government's determination to cope with violence towards women.

The opportunities for re-offending would be minimal and so it was decided to grant entry clearance for a brief period, focused entirely on the fight

Immigration Minister Barbara Roche

"The fact that he has been let in, mainly for economic reasons, really does send out the message that tackling violence towards women may be less important than making as much money as quickly as possible."

Glasgow Maryhill Labour MP, Maria Fyfe, one of the leading critics of the fight, said the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, was assured the fight did not pose a danger to public order.

But she insisted Mr Straw had taken no account of the effects on "private disorder" where women were suffering at the hands of abusive partners every day.

The Scottish Parliament will debate the issue

Immigration Minister, Barbara Roche, responded to the MPs' concerns by saying: "In this case, we were bound to take account of the fact that Tyson's behaviour during his previous visit here was satisfactory.

"As on that occasion, he will be subject to close media attention throughout his visit and surrounded by his supporting team.

"This means that the opportunities for re-offending would be minimal and so it was decided to grant entry clearance for a brief period, focused entirely on the fight."

She insisted: "Our decision to admit this man had no bearing on the abhorrence with which we regard violence against women.

"Our commitment to combat violence against women remains resolute."

Glasgow 'money-spinner'

On Monday, co-promoter Frank Warren promised the Hampden Park fight would be a money-spinner for Glasgow.

But he also launched a broadside against the SNP, accusing it of double standards in attacking Tyson but courting the support of actor Sean Connery.

After telling reporters that Tyson had "served his time" for his crime, he alleged that the SNP was allied to a star who had been guilty of making unsavoury comments about women.