Darren Gibson, 36, and Jack Pearson, 19, from Yorkshire, were set upon after celebrating their country’s victory over Trinidad and Tobago in a pub in Linwood, Renfrewshire. The pair were treated in hospital after being beaten by two men outside the bar where they watched the World Cup match on Thursday.
The incident follows criticism of Jack McConnell, the first minister, for refusing to support England.
Last night Henry pledged to send personal letters of apology to the injured Englishmen on behalf of all “decent Scots”.
“This was a dreadful and unnecessary act of violence which I would utterly condemn,” said Labour’s Paisley South MSP. “We want Scotland to be a place that welcomes people and this behaviour sends out an entirely wrong message.
“We can all have our favourite football teams and friendly rivalry adds to the excitement of being a fan. However, when this extends to mindless violence it is totally unacceptable and I am sure all decent-thinking people would agree with me.”
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Witnesses say the two men, who had been cheering England’s goals in the pub, were followed outside and attacked when they left at midnight.They were taken to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra hospital, where they were treated for cuts and bruises. The men had been staying in the adjacent Travel Inn and it is believed they had been working in Linwood. They have now returned to England.
Nobody has been arrested in connection with the incident.