BNP vow to protest at stadium over flag ban

By Alan McEwen | Friday, 10 September 2004 | Click here for original article

THE British National Party is planning a protest at Tynecastle against a ban on flying the Union flag inside the ground in a bid to recruit new members.

Anti-Nazi protesters have pledged to oppose the plan by BNP activists to target football fans with 3000 leaflets at a rally outside the stadium before Sunday's clash between Rangers and Hearts.

Hearts officials and politicians today condemned the BNP's intentions amid fears of conflict, and demanded the Far Right activists stay away.

Supporters' clubs for Rangers are also set to protest against a ban on the Union flag. The fans intend to show their unhappiness at the prohibition with a massive display of the flag.

The BNP has denied it intends to hijack their planned demonstration, but the extremist group admits members from across the country will descend on Edinburgh to try to recruit new members from among the protesters.

Weyman Bennett, national organiser of the Anti-Nazi League, said both his group and the United Against Fascism group would join a counter-demonstration.

He added: "We will not allow those who support the views of Hitler to use football to further their aims. We want people to join together in unity to oppose what they stand for."

Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist MSP for the Lothians, said his party would be among the other anti-BNP campaigners.

He added: "We do not want to see these people on the streets of Edinburgh.

"I would not be surprised if they do not turn up on Sunday as they have been at Tynecastle before and were turned away with a flea in their ear."

Lib Dem Mike Pringle, MSP for Edinburgh South, said: "I would prefer the BNP not to be at Tynecastle on Sunday, but unfortunately it's almost impossible to stop them.

"This seems to be the BNP jumping on the bandwagon of a protest by Rangers fans. There is then the danger that they take it over and it leads to conflict. Conflict follows whenever the BNP do anything. I would urge the police to take the strongest action if any problems arise."

Hearts chairman George Foulkes said: "The BNP are trying to piggy-back on the protest of others, which is typical of their activities. They should not be allowed to exploit the protest for their own political ends. They have no place in politics, no place in football, and should stay away from Tynecastle."

Hearts officials retain the right to get rid of any flags they deem "offensive", including the Union flag and Irish tricolour.

Mark Dingwall, editor of Rangers' fanzine Follow Follow, said: "This protest has absolutely nothing to do with the BNP.

"We are unaware of their plans. Their influence on Rangers fans is nil."

Mr Dingwall urged fans not to daub gang slogans or support for paramilitary organisations on the flags and said they should hand them over to police officers if asked.

Kenny Smith, secretary of BNP Scotland, said he did not know how many activists would take part in the demonstration. He also denied the party was trying to manipulate the Rangers' protest for its own ends.

He said: "The BNP has been highlighting the issue of the flag ban since it first arose.

"We are not trying to hijack this. We have been talking about it for a long time. This is the first Rangers/Hearts game of the season and we were going to protest anyway."

Mr Smith admitted that the BNP would be seeking to enlist new members during the event.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We are aware of their activities and the appropriate arrangements have been put in place. We cannot discuss those arrangements for operational reasons."