'Thug' MSPs tackle religious team

Politicians and journalists squared up to each other during the last match

A team of MSPs who were branded "thugs" after a recent match was abandoned are to tackle a side of religious figures, they have announced.

The politicians had their game against a squad of sports journalists stopped after tempers flared.

One of the flashpoints saw BBC broadcaster Chick Young injured in a tackle by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP John Park. He later branded them thugs.

The MSPs are now to take on a team of ministers, priests and rabbis.

Mr Young claimed the MSPs were "an absolute disgrace" in the game between his team and the politicians, which took place at Lesser Hampden in Glasgow on 26 October.

If this game doesn't get us back on the straight and narrow, we've also been offered a match against the police Ken Macintosh MSP

The MSPs' side, which also included Labour's Andy Kerr and Frank McAveety and the SNP's Jamie Hepburn, was leading 6-2 when the match was abandoned after 55 minutes.

It is understood players from both sides squared up and started pushing each other in the chest.

The politicians' latest fixture has been organised to show their support for Scottish Inter Faith Week.

The inter faith team has been organised by the Scottish Inter Faith Council especially for this match, and consists of members of faith communities throughout Scotland.

The MSPs' team captain Ken Macintosh said: "I am not sure if this game offers redemption, but at least it will demonstrate that we know the importance of getting on with others, of setting a good example and that we can play football in the right spirit.

"If we do fail to play for 90 minutes again, I confidently predict that will be an unfortunate reflection on our fitness levels rather than our conduct."

He added: "If this game doesn't get us back on the straight and narrow, we've also been offered a match against the police."

Scottish Inter Faith Week runs from 23-30 November.