MP apologies after Celtic flag row with neighbour in Uddingston

The new MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill has been forced to issue an apology after hitting the headlines for an incident in his street.

Former councillor Steven Bonnar, who snatched the seat away from Hugh Gaffney last December, had threatened a neighbourin an incident last Thursday(April 16).

The bad-tempered exchange featuring swear words has been viewed by more than just eyewitnesses – after it was secretly filmed and uploaded it to YouTube.

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A number of news outlets have since snapped it up for their own websites, granting the incident maximum coverage and much discussion online for the Scottish National Party man.

A dispute had initially arisen after a Celtic flag appeared in the window of Mr Bonnar’s home in Columba Court .

The footage shows a heated argument after Mr Bonnar’s neighbour asked the politician :’’Is that needed? You’re supposed to be a councillor.’’

Mr Bonnar informed the man he was an MP and the verbal altercation moved up a gear.

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Police were involved but said that they could not find evidence of a crime being committed.

Mr Bonnar issued a statement saying: “I regret being drawn into a dispute with a neighbour and reacting hastily to comments made. I apologise for my language and behaviour and any upset caused.”

We asked Mr Bonnar for additional comment but he said he would prefer to stick with the statement already issued.

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