Midlothian MP condemns Whitehill Welfare FC inaction

Wednesday August 10th 2022

Whitehill-Welfare

The Whitehill Welfare football ground in Rosewell.


Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson

Midlothian MP Owen Thompson condemns inaction of Whitehill Welfare FC over signing of convicted domestic abuser Paul Tansey.

Despite challenges from residents and councillors of Midlothian regarding the appointment of convicted domestic abuser Paul Tansey to Whitehill Welfare Football Club, it would appear that the club have continued to take no action towards the call to terminate his contract despite their pleas.

The midfielder was released from his contract with Penicuik Athletic in May after he pleaded guilty to attacking his partner, the Celtic women’s footballer Lisa Robertson for which he was handed a five-year non-harassment order and 80 hours of unpaid work.

The local community of Rosewell have now taken measures into their own hands by setting up an online petition calling on the club to sack him with immediate effect with the aim of sending out the message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated in our communities.

MP for Midlothian, Owen Thompson said:

“Whilst I appreciate that offenders do have the right to rehabilitation following conviction, this signing does not send the appropriate message to our young people that abuse of this kind will be tolerated if you can show sporting talent and it also totally diminishes those who are experiencing or are survivors of domestic abuse that this behaviour will be justified and have no consequences because the abuser can play football.

“Domestic abuse can inflict physical, emotional, and psychological trauma lasting way beyond the acts themselves and the actions of Whitehill Welfare in refusing to sack him are contemptible and by not doing so they are portraying that his behaviour is acceptable. I have signed the petition and I urge others to do the same.”

Midlothian View have asked Whitehill Welfare for comment.

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