Scottish Bishop Welcomes Police Assurance That Goalkeeper Wasn't Sanctioned for Blessing Himself

(Hat tip: Catholic World News)

From The Glasgow Daily Record:

LAW chiefs finally came clean yesterday over why Celtic keeper Artur Boruc was cautioned following an Old Firm match.

The Crown Office said it was NOT because he blessed himself in front of Rangers supporters. They insisted the caution came after the Polish international star was witnessed "smiling or laughing at a Rangers section of the crowd and making 'come on' gestures".

The Crown Office also stressed that they would never sanction action against a sportsman for acts of religious observance.

The office, headed by Lord Advocate Colin Boyd, said they wanted to set the record straight in light of some "wholly unfounded claims".

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Yesterday's clear-the-air statement was praised by Bishop Joseph Devine, for the Catholic Church in Scotland.

He said: "The Crown Office statement that they fully respect religious belief and practices and 'would not countenance formal action against individuals for acts of religious observance' is both welcome and reassuring."

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Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Scottish Soccer Player "Cautioned" for Making Sign of the Cross