MSPs questions security arrangements for FAC visit

Today, two MSPs have written to the SNP-appointed Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick to question security arrangements for Fans Against Criminalisation's visit to the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

High Henry, MSP for Renfrewshire South, is questioning Marwick on why we were refused entry to the debating chamber for the heinous crime of wearing t-shirts with letters on them, particularly when other groups have been allowed inside the chamber under similar circumstances.

Michael McMahon, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill has aslo written to Marwick, asking why special security measures were taken for our group. As we went through the security scans at the entrance to the Parliament, McMahon was approached by the Head of Security and informed that FAC would not be permitted to enter the Garden Lobby (we had no plans to, in any case). McMahon is questioning why every other group who visits Parliament can access the Garden Lobby but football supporters are not allowed to, and asking who gave these orders. He is further asking if it is standard practice for the Head of Security to oversee the entrance of a visiting group, and if the large security presence in Parliament yesterday was laid on specially for the FAC delegation - both appear to be highly unusual.