Glasgow MSP defends disabled parking at Celtic Park comments

A Glasgow MSP is defending comments he made to a disabled Celtic fan about parking near the ground.

John Mason was emailed by a Hoops supporter concerned restrictions due to come into force would mean he was unable to go to home matches because of the distance he'd have to walk.

The SNP MSP replied asking if he has considered supporting a smaller, local side.

He told Clyde News it has been a major issue for his constituents and appealed for anyone visiting Celtic park to be more considerate.

John Mason MSP said: "There is a huge problem with inappropriate parking around Celtic Park on match days. Residents in my constituency are effectively trapped in their homes by fans parking across their driveways, etc. They also live in fear of needing an ambulance or fire engine in an emergency as they would struggle to get into many streets.

"So in the first place I am supportive of the Council’s proposals to make the area a more controlled parking zone although the details have to be worked out.

"In response to several folk raising the question of disabled fans or others who could not walk far, I have said that there is plenty of room for these fans to park if those who are able to walk 20 minutes would park further away in a more considerate manner.

"The parking problem is not caused by disabled fans. It is caused by perfectly able bodied fans (often with very expensive cars!) wanting to park as close as possible to Celtic Park (and I think the other major stadia in the City) with no regard for residents."