A Glasgow councillor has issued an apology to Rangers fans after making a controversial comment during a debate regarding plans for a pub near Ibrox. Councillor Eva Bolander of the SNP expressed regret if her remarks had caused offense, as she suggested that Gers fans were supportive of the proposed pub. The discussion took place as councillors deliberated an appeal from former Rangers player Scott Arfield, who sought to open a new bar on Copland Road. However, the council had initially rejected his application. The planning review committee, comprised of city councillors, upheld the previous decision during a meeting on Tuesday.
During the debate, Cllr Bolander, a former Lord Provost, raised concerns about individuals identifying themselves as Rangers supporters endorsing the bar plans. Her comments drew a sharp response from Councillor Thomas Kerr of the Conservative party, who found her insinuation troubling given the complexities surrounding football-related issues in the city. He called for clarity on her statement and expressed disappointment at her alleged bias towards Rangers supporters. Cllr Kerr highlighted the importance of impartial consideration of applications regardless of personal views.
In response to the backlash, Cllr Bolander offered an apology, stating that she did not intend to cause offense and was prepared to retract her comments. She acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and clarified that her remarks were not directed at any specific individual. Cllr Kerr noted the seriousness of the situation, recounting past threats he had faced, and emphasized the need for unbiased decision-making by elected officials.
Following the deliberations, the committee was evenly split on whether to approve Arfield’s bar proposal, leading to its rejection based on the chairman Cllr Ken Andrew’s casting vote. Concerns were raised about potential disruptions to neighbours and unresolved issues regarding waste management. Cllr Andrew highlighted the lack of clarity on various aspects of the application, including inadequate noise impact assessment and insufficient details on waste disposal.
The decision sparked a discussion around the responsibilities of councillors in assessing such applications and the importance of maintaining objectivity in the decision-making process. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for fair and impartial deliberations in local governance, especially in contentious matters related to sports and community development.