Council Leader condemns Whitehill Welfare decision

Midlothian Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry has condemned as “shameful”, the decision by Whitehill Welfare football club to sign convicted domestic abuser Paul Tansey.

Writing to the club

Cllr Parry is writing to the Rosewell club urging them to cut ties with the player. 

Pleaded guilty

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.

Should be role models

Cllr Parry said: “Footballers are role models in our communities and it’s not ok to have someone in this position who has been convicted of appalling acts of violence.

Disregarding survivors

“Allowing the convicted offender to now train with Whitehill Welfare is a shameful decision by the club and it sends a clear message of disregard to domestic abuse survivors across Midlothian and beyond.

Urging a rethink

“As a council we condemn this decision and we urge Whitehill Welfare to rethink.”

Conviction

Tansey was given a five year non-harassment order and 80 hours unpaid work.