Tory MP Douglas Ross shook hands with Barcelona's Lionel Messi after the Champions League game
A Tory MP who came under fire
for skipping a welfare debate to work as a linesman has curtailed his
refereeing career and ended his World Cup dream.
Douglas Ross, who was elected Moray MP in June this year, was attacked by opponents earlier this month for missing a vote on Universal Credit.Following the row, Mr Ross has decided to no longer accept refereeing jobs while the House of Commons is sitting, pledging to put his "sole focus" on his constituency.
It means he will no longer be able to work as one of Scotland's representatives at next summer's World Cup in Russia.
The Moray MP will no longer accept officiating jobs while Parliament is sitting
Explaining why he is hanging up his whistle and linesman's flag in a statement to local newspapers, Mr Ross said: "This week I have taken the decision to inform the football authorities that I will no longer be able to accept any appointments when Parliament is sitting.
"The consequence of this decision means that I can no longer do the majority of international matches and my hopes of representing Scotland, and most importantly for me, Moray, at a World Cup, now end.
"But as MP for Moray I gave a commitment to the people who elected me that I would always act in their best interests which is why I have taken this decision."
However, the former member of the Scottish Parliament defended missing this month's opposition day debate on the Government's flagship benefits reforms.
Mr Ross, who has been a referee for almost 15 years, said he had been "paired" with an opposition member who would also skip the subsequent vote.
In the event, all Tory MPs were controversially ordered to abstain on a non-binding Labour motion.
Claiming he would also have been unable to speak in the debate due to the number of other Scottish Tories who had already requested to contribute, Mr Ross highlighted how he was able to take part in another debate on Universal Credit a week later.
The latest register of MPs' interests reveals Mr Ross has earned more than £4,300 for officiating duties since becoming an MP, including £1,436.35 for serving as an assistant referee at the Europa League match between Slovenian side NK Domzale and French club Olympique de Marseille.
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