by Alistair Grant

AN SNP MSP has come under fire after suggesting a disabled Celtic fan who raised concerns about parking should simply support another club instead.

John Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston – which includes Celtic Park – emailed the supporter after he raised fears a proposed parking ban would leave him unable to attend games.

In response, Mr Mason wrote: “Could you think of supporting a smaller more local club that would appreciate your adding to their crowd?”

Football website Celtic Quick News, which highlighted the email, branded it appalling “on every level”.

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Plans to ban car parking within a mile of Celtic Park during matches are being advanced by Glasgow City Council.

But one Celtic season ticket holder from Newcastle, identified only as Gordon, said he is unable to walk for more than 10 minutes and the move could stop him attending games.

Labour MSP James Kelly said Mr Mason’s comments were “outrageous”.

He added: "Rather than representing the interests of a disabled man who wants to bring his custom and spend his money in John Mason's constituency, he is just telling him to go support another football team.

"It's a ludicrous response from a politician who has been a constant source of embarrassment for the SNP.

"If John Mason's attitude is to tell people to stay away from the East End of Glasgow he'll soon find the voters in Shettleston will send him packing too."

It is just the latest in a string of controversies provoked by Mr Mason.

Last year he issued a formal apology after appearing to compare IRA killers to “freedom fighters”.

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He was also accused of trivialising rape culture after saying of Scottish independence: “The girl does not always say yes first time.”

In September, he was criticised for suggesting Skye was not a “real island” because a bridge connects it to the mainland.