Gazza dropped from the Scottish Football Hall of Fame
Organisers say the decision was due to concerns for the ex-Rangers star's health
Last updated 12th Oct 2018
Sports Journalist Hugh Keevins says Paul Gascoigne's past behaviour casts a shadow onto inducting him into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame after the committee announced that plans for his induction later this month were being scrapped because of concerns for the health of the former Rangers player.
The decision also comes after allegations were made by a woman against Paul Gascoigne in August.
British Transport Police confirmed a 51-year old man from Gateshead was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault by touching, on a train from York and that he released pending investigation.
The nomination was made prior to the recent allegations - with the dinner being held on the 21st October.
Speaking on our sister station Clyde 1's Superscoreboard, Hugh Keevins says the action taken by the committee is swift and decisive:
"There are three non-Scots in the Scottish Football Hall off Fame - Terry Butcher, Bryan Laudrup and Henrik Larrson - all three are men of impeccable character. Sadly, there have been incidents in Paul Gascoigne's past life which have denied him that same level of respectability. Now there is a present day allegation to muddy the waters still further.
"It was in danger of causing internal strife, there were members of the SFA board who there threatening to boycot the dinner, the committee members of the Scottish Hall of Fame had to respond.
"The Football Hall of Fame contains men who had colourful pasts themselves. If you want perfect role models sport, in general, may not be your first port of call. The decision, I believe, was taken purely and simply on his football career when he was at Rangers."
Supporters have been showing their backing for the player on social media, and questioning the decision to announce it in the same week as Mental Health Awareness Day.
A spokesman for Paul Gascoigne declined to comment on the allegations.