Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Bosses probe fan’s sick song
Plumber suspended after outcry
A Celtic-supporting yob from Coatbridge, filmed singing a sickening song about murdered soldier Lee Rigby, has been suspended by his employer.
Aidan McAdam was among a group of fans filmed in Sunderland, where Celtic played a friendly match, singing “F*** Lee Rigby, he isn’t f****** drumming any more”.
Plumber McAdam, 23, has been vilified on social media since the video became public and suspended from his job with the Mears Group, as his bosses launch a probe into his behaviour.
The distraught mother of Fusilier Rigby has also slammed the vile content of the clip, while Celtic Football Club has condemned the footage and promised to take action against anyone identified as being involved.
The clip lasts less than a minute and shows men – some wearing Celtic jerseys – walking down a street singing the offensive chant.
Soldier Lee Rigby, 25, a drummer and machine-gunner, was murdered by Islamist fanatics Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale outside Woolwich barracks in 2013.
His heartbroken mother, Lyn, hit out at the despicable verbals belted out by McAdam and others in the online footage: “I haven’t stopped crying since I saw that video.
“I don’t understand how people can be so vicious about something so tragic.
“I doubt they have had a son or loved one hacked to death in the street. They would not be sneering and mocking.
“It has been heartbreaking for his sisters who still feel the pain of his loss every day.
“Football fans the world over have supported our family and continue to do so.”
In light of McAdam’s involvement going public, a spokesman for his employers at Mears, which maintains and repairs social housing, said: “I can confirm that he [McAdam] has been suspended and we are carrying out an internal investigation.”
Celtic has said the club is “appalled” by fans chanting in apparent celebration of the murder of Mr Rigby.
A statement released by the club added: “Such behaviour in no way represents Celtic Football Club or our supporters.
“We understand this incident is now subject to an ongoing police inquiry.
“Let us be clear, in the event that any individuals are identified as being responsible, Celtic will take the strongest possible action.”
McAdam is the son of Francis McAdam, 51, who worked at Republican group Cairde na hEireann’s shop in Glasgow when a nail bomb was sent there on two occasions in 2012.
The Gallowgate store was closed both times and the package was sent to a depot in Belfast, where the alarm was raised.
McAdam snr said he was unaware about his son’s involvement in the video footage.
Northumbria Police confirmed they are “looking into” the incident in Sunderland, with a spokeswoman saying: “We’re aware of the chants that were made.
“We are looking into these to see if any criminal offences took place and will take necessary action.”
I haven’t stopped crying since I saw that video