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A convicted hooligan who staged “the biggest far-right rally since World War II” in London has come to Scotland to spread his message among football fans.

John Meighan’s group the Football Lads Alliance, whose mass demo sparked clashes with anti-fascist groups, have now set their sights north of the Border.

Former soccer thug Meighan flew to Scotland yesterday in a bid to build his “movement” here.

(Image: www.alamy.com)

He plans to recruit fans of Scotland’s biggest clubs including Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibs.

But worried anti-racism groups and politicians have warned fans to steer clear of the group – accusing them of promoting a far-right message of hate.

The FLA are targeting fans and military veterans here as they try to boost their numbers. They also plan to join a rally in Edinburgh next month.

The group held a demo in London this month and asked football fans to “unite against extremism” in the wake of recent terror attacks.

(Image: Daily Record)

They say they are opposed to all extremism and that their motto is “No racism, no violence”.

But the FLA were criticised by shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who accused them of promoting

Islamophobic speakers and not denouncing right-wing terrorism.

Speaking to the Daily Record after arriving in Glasgow yesterday, designer-clad dad-of-three Meighan, 32, from London, said: “We have seen some of the bitterest football rivalries come together so I am hopeful that we can have real success in Scotland.

(Image: Getty)

“Millwall and West Ham, Portsmouth and Southampton and Aston Villa and Birmingham City have all come together – so when it comes to Celtic and Rangers, who knows? I am hoping to get Hibs and Hearts lads together next month to discuss their rivalry.

“The movement has gone from strength to strength. There hasn’t been a street movement like this probably ever.”

Last night, senior political figures expressed serious concerns over the FLA’s bid to recruit in Scotland.

Labour MP Ian Murray – who led a fans’ movement to save his local team, Hearts – said: “The extension of this group into Scotland is a real concern.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

“I would encourage all football supporters and the wider community in Scotland to shun this racist

organisation that is operating under the veil of reasonableness.

“If supporters of Scottish football clubs want to unite against racism and fascism then I suggest they join established and respected organisations like Show Racism the Red Card.

“The FLA are a far-right organisation looking to infiltrate Scottish football.

“Let’s not return to the dark days of football hooliganism and division but stand against all forms of inequality and intolerance.”

A spokeswoman for Show Racism the Red Card Scotland said: “We would encourage people not to engage with this group.”

Richard Hale, of anti-racism civil liberties group Scotland Against Criminalising Communities, said: “I hope the FLA attract the miniscule support they deserve when they come to Scotland.

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“They claim not to be racist but Tommy Robinson – a racist and Islamophobe – was on the march in London and was apparently well-received by a lot of people on the march.

“We’ve been here before. When the English Defence League were set up, they claimed not to be racist but to be against ‘radical Islam’ – but their members have attacked mosques and their marches have spread fear in minority communities.

“The FLA were set up immediately after the Manchester and London terrorist attacks this summer.

“The only reason anyone would organise in such a provocative way under those circumstances is to promote racial and community tension.

“Football supporters in Scotland have a proud tradition of mobilising for good. They regularly organise food bank collections and Celtic fans have given fantastic support to the oppressed people of Palestine.

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“I hope that Scotland’s football fans will choose those paths instead of helping the FLA to spread hate.”

Stand Up to Racism, the anti-racism charity, have criticised the FLA in the past for failing to condemn far-right terrorist attacks such as the murder of MP Jo Cox.

Unite Against Fascism are concerned that Meighan has received a suspended prison sentence relating to football hooliganism and served a ban from attending matches.

The conviction related to his participation in a brawl between 90 men in Mile End, east London.

Gerry Gable, of the anti-racism Searchlight magazine, said the FLA’s London march was “the biggest protest of the far-right since World War II”.

Gable said anti-racism campaigners who were handing out leaflets were subjected to vile verbal abuse. He added: “The FLA have succeeded in boosting their numbers by pulling in some ordinary football fans, although some of the marchers were clearly attached to hooligan firms.”

Members of Veterans Against Terrorism joined the FLA at the London march.

(Image: Anadolu)

The vets’ group are non-racist and say they are committed to peaceful protests.They are holding a rally in Edinburgh on November 25 and FLA members will join them.

Property manager Meighan said yesterday: “I am actually proud of what I have achieved in such a short time.

“I was outraged at what happened in the London terror attacks and the bombing in Manchester which killed so many kids. I have children myself so I thought I had to do something.

“We are against extremism, I don’t have anything against moderate Muslims. The primary threat in this country is from Islamic State and people like that.

“There are extreme elements everywhere. We have had far-left people try to infiltrate our group. National Action are terrorists and we don’t condone any terror group.

“My past is over and done with. I am a family man now. I work in a good job and I am not involved with football violence and I don’t condone it.”