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Thursday, 9 February 2006, 11:47 GMT

Galloway's eBay auction sabotaged

eBay advert George Galloway's attempt to auction the tracksuit top he wore on Celebrity Big Brother has been sabotaged by eBay users putting in "astronomical" bids.

The Respect MP, selling the garment to raise money for the Palestinian charity Interpal, removed it from the website after a bid of £150,000 was received.

Mr Galloway told the BBC News website: "This stupid act means children in the West Bank and Gaza will suffer."

The top will be re-auctioned with extra security safeguards in place.

'Five figures'

The sweatshirt, bearing the word "Cuba", comes complete with Mr Galloway's microphone pouch and sleeping mask from Celebrity Big Brother.

Bidding started at 99p and had been expected to reach "five figures".

Mr Galloway said political opponents had joined eBay after the auction started, putting in "ridiculous" bids in an effort to disrupt the sale.

It will now be re-sold under the website's "pre-approved bidding" system.

This allows only established users who personally contact the seller to put in offers. The seller can check the buyer's full eBay history before clearing bids.

George Galloway in three-legged race

A spokeswoman for the website said: "This is quite common for high-profile auctions."

The sweatshirt was described on eBay as "a piece of televisual history".

Mr Galloway's overnight bag and suitcase are also for sale, as is a medal received when Sir Jimmy Saville appeared on the Channel 4 show.

The MP for Bethnal Green and Bow was criticised for taking time off his parliamentary duties to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

Mr Galloway, 51, was the fourth person to be evicted from the show, which was eventually won by "non-celebrity" Chantelle.

During his time in the Big Brother House, he pretended to be a cat "licking cream" from the hands of actress Rula Lenska, wore a red leotard, imitated Elvis and dressed as Count Dracula.

Mr Galloway donated his fee for the show to Interpal.

On Wednesday, he also took part in an MPs' three-legged race to raise money for the children's charities Childhood First and Whizz-Kidz.



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Related to this story:
Commons 'dismay' at MP Galloway (16 Jan 06 |  Entertainment )
Savile hears housemates' wishes (15 Jan 06 |  Entertainment )
Galloway 'cat' act sparks anger (13 Jan 06 |  UK Politics )
Big Brother Galloway criticised (06 Jan 06 |  UK Politics )
Profile: George Galloway (04 Feb 06 |  UK Politics )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
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Respect coalition
eBay
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