Latest news with #MarkSutherland
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Cops pledge 'it won't happen again' after Nazi gender storm
Police chiefs have been accused of 'pandering' to 'fringe activists' after backtracking on comments comparing gender-critical campaigners to Nazis. Top brass insisted the internal document drawing the 'Nazi' analogy was 'immediately withdrawn' and measures had been put in place to 'ensure it does not happen again'. The Mail revealed last month that officers were told ' gender binary' – the belief that there are only two genders – was a 'key feature' of the Nazis' ideology. It is understood the document was written by a police officer or member of civilian staff with responsibility for liaising with gay and transgender employees. Last night, Scottish Tory equalities spokesman Tess White said: 'It's disgusting such outrageous language made it into an official Police Scotland document. 'Claiming additional governance has been put in place now is no comfort to those who were smeared for standing up for basic common sense. 'SNP ministers need to get a grip and stop public bodies pandering to fringe gender activists who keep pushing self-ID.' Ms White wrote to Police Scotland demanding an explanation after the Mail disclosed the 'Nazi' document. In his reply, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: 'I can confirm this document was immediately withdrawn from circulation and does not represent the views of Police Scotland. 'Police Scotland drives continual cultural improvement through engagement with diverse communities to ensure we tackle discriminatory behaviours. 'Additional governance has been put in place prior to the circulation and internal publication of documents. When required, this also includes consultation with the Police Scotland equality and diversity unit. 'I trust this provides you with reassurance that this matter was quickly addressed and measures put in place to ensure that it does not happen again.' The document at the centre of the row – which mirrors material from controversial LGBT group Stonewall – focused on last month's 'Trans+ History Week'. It states: 'This week was founded in recognition of the anniversary of the Nazi raid on the world's first ever trans clinic in 1933. 'Books were burned as part of the Nazis' targeting of queer communities. Gender binary was a key feature of the Nazi racist policies. 'Right now, the gender critical movement has a strong voice. Is this movement an echo of past hostilities and does it mean we have failed to understand the lessons from history?' Last month former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher said: 'This is what happens when the police get involved in contested political issues. 'Police neutrality existed for a reason – the sooner it returns the better.' Dr Stuart Waiton, a sociologist at Abertay University in Dundee, said: 'Transgender activists are inclined to use hyperbolic statements. 'This one that attempts to associate today's gender critics with Nazi Germany is a particularly embarrassing example.'
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA RELEASES 'ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY'
Feature-Length Documentary Sets Digital Debut for North American VOD Platforms and DVD on May 23, 2025 'At its core, ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY is a buddy film. Abby was a dog, but she was also my best friend. And we were just taking a road trip together. I think everyone can relate to that.'— Filmmaker Mark Sutherland LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen's Allen Media Group, has just released the feature unscripted narrative feature documentary ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY, which will be available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting May 23, 2025. ABBY'S LIST is currently enjoying a limited theatrical run nationwide. While technically a documentary, this fun and thoughtful film feels like a cinematic feature. Part comedy, part drama, and family-friendly, this buddy film will leave audiences laughing and crying. Shot in twenty incredible locations with over 5 million views of its road and promo videos. ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY is the story of 14-year-old Whippet Abby and her human, Mark, as they embark on an epic cross-country road trip. From captaining a yacht to riding It's a Small World, making friends with a dolphin and a deer, even peeing on the world's tallest trees, Abby does it all! By the way, whose list is this anyway… Abby's or Mark's? As the journey unfolds, we realize that all they really want is quality time together. And incredibly, the universe intervenes. Abby starts aging in reverse, and their three-week bucket list trip morphs into the three-year journey of their lives! Written and directed by Mark Sutherland, ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY was produced by Sutherland – with Don Lee, Bill Farmer, Jennifer Farmer, Mark Thorsell, and Jesse Lynn Madera serving as executive producers. Jennifer O'Kain served as consulting producer and Courtney DeSando Kaplan served as associate producer. The subjects profiled and interviewed include Abby Sutherland, the Whippet, Mark Sutherland, Jack Hanna, Bill Farmer (Voice of Goofy), Sophie Cole, Scott Simpson, Laura Maxwell Murnane, and Trooper the Three-Legged Deer. 'Making ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY changed my whole life, and it changed Abby's life too,' said filmmaker Mark Sutherland. At its core, ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY is a buddy film. Abby was a dog, but she was also my best friend. And we were just taking a road trip together… having a little fun and figuring a few things out along the way. I think everyone can relate to that.' Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY with the filmmaker Mark Sutherland and producer Jennifer O'Kain. ABBY'S LIST, A DOGUMENTARY website: About Freestyle Digital Media The digital distribution unit of Byron Allen's Allen Media Group, Freestyle Digital Media, is a premiere multi-platform distributor with direct partnerships across all major cable, satellite, digital, and streaming platforms. Capitalizing on a robust infrastructure, proven track record, and a veteran sales team, Freestyle Digital Media is a true home for independent films. Recent releases include ALLSWELL IN NEW YORK starring Emmy award-winning actress Liza Colón-Zayas from the hit FX series THE BEAR, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES starring Josh Radnor and Rob Huebel, the drama based on a novel THE GHOST TRAP starring Zak Steiner from EUPHORIA and Greer Grammer of AWKWARD, and the Weekly World News horror-comedy THE ZOMBIE WEDDING. Other Freestyle Digital Media titles include THE ROAD DOG starring comedian Doug Stanhope, SURVIVE starring HBO's GAME OF THRONES star Sophie Turner and Corey Hawkins, the music documentary profiling blues guitar legends Jimmie Vaughan and Stevie Ray Vaughan, BROTHERS IN BLUES, DEAR ZOE starring Sadie Sink from the hit Netflix series STRANGER THINGS, Jessica Capshaw and Theo Rossi, the teen musical BEST SUMMER EVER featuring a fully integrated cast and crew of people with and without disabilities, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary Steenburgen, and Ted Danson, and THE WEDDING YEAR starring Sarah Hyland and Anna Camp. For more information, visit: Eric Peterkofsky Allen Media Group / Freestyle Digital Media [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
'Celtic can't control them': Furious locals hit out over unofficial title party
A group representing the local community has claimed that the club 'cannot control' its fans and slated the '11th hour' statement they made on Friday. A spokesperson for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) said: 'Once more, streets in the centre of Glasgow were taken over by thousands and thousands of Celtic supporters and turned into a No Go area for residents, businesses, and traffic, including emergency services and public transport. 'An historic monument, traffic lights and a subway station roof were climbed upon. Flares and firecrackers were set off. Normal life in and around Glasgow Cross and Trongate was brought to a standstill. "Several hundred police did their duty at great cost to the public purse. Glasgow City Council cleansing staff faced the massive task of clearing up the mess - yet another expense to taxpayers. Furious Glasgow locals hit out over unofficial Celtic title party (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) 'At the 11th hour, Celtic Football Club issued a statement the previous day asking their fans not to congregate en masse, noting it would be an unauthorised gathering. "While we are grateful that, at long last, the Club spoke out, at least 15,000 fans ignored the belated appeal. READ MORE: LIVE: Hundreds of Celtic fans take over Glasgow cross for title party 'It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters when they take to the streets. We repeat our request, made two years ago, that should there be another such occasion the Club organises - at its cost - its own celebration at Parkhead, the Emirates across the road from the stadium, Glasgow Green or any other venue of its choice. 'This cannot be allowed to happen for a fourth successive year. We shall be reviewing Saturday's events with Glasgow City Council, the police and our Scottish Parliamentary representatives, and will continue to press for urgent actions by all parties involved." READ MORE: 34 pictures from Glasgow Celtic title party celebrations Today, May 17, thousands of revellers gathered as Police closed off roads and the historic Mercat Cross building was breached with people climbing on the roof. 'It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Police chiefs previously hit out at Celtic and council bosses for 'failing to organise a title party fan zone'. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: 'Our preference was for an organised event or fanzone which would cause far less disruption, reduce levels of antisocial behaviour and improve public safety. READ MORE: Glasgow roads closed by cops as Celtic title party starts in Trongate 'Police Scotland requested this be considered with our partners, including Celtic FC and Glasgow City Council, as part of planning discussions. 'Unfortunately, this option wasn't progressed." 'This cannot be allowed to happen. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) However, Glasgow City Council claimed that police chiefs had never asked the local authority to organise an event. A council spokesperson said: 'We have been clear, this season and in previous years, that we would support any effort made by our football clubs to organise safe, sustainable celebration events for their supporters. READ MORE: Measures taken to prevent bus shelter incidents at Celtic Trongate title party 'We know from our discussions that an organised event is also the strong preference of Police Scotland. However, there has been no request from them for the council to organise or host such an event.' In 2024, the local authority was forced to fork out a whopping £73,032 to repair Mercat Cross after the unofficial Celtic title party took place. The historic Mercat Cross building has been breached with revellers climbing on the roof (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) At the event, attendees were pictured climbing buildings, bus shelters, and traffic lights. Some were also spotted setting off pyrotechnics and drinking. After crowds left the event in the Merchant City area, stickers, graffiti, flags, and litter were left behind. The entire cost of the clean-up mission was expected to amount to over £100,000. Locals living in the city centre called on Celtic's top boss to urge the club's supporters not to repeat 'disgraceful anti-social behaviour' at the event this year. In April, Calton and Merchant City, and Trongate community councils wrote to Hoops CEO Michael Nicholson, saying while they understand fans want to celebrate the occasion, at the end of the last two football seasons, they have "created havoc for people, businesses and visitors in and around Glasgow Cross".
STV News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Thousands of Celtic fans celebrate title win in Glasgow's Trongate
Thousands of Celtic fans have gathered to celebrate at an unofficial title party in Glasgow's Trongate. Supporters have flocked to the city centre following Celtic's 1-1 draw against St Mirren at Parkhead, marking 55 domestic league titles and the fourth in a row. Images on social media have shown fans queuing outside busy bars and flares being lit, with a number ignoring safety signs to breach the Mercat Cross building, climb traffic lights and a subway station roof. Around 200 police officers are understood to be in attendance. It comes after the football club encouraged fans not to take part in unofficial post-match celebrations on Saturday amid fears of disorder on the same day as an Orange Order event. The party was scheduled to clash with the Orange Order's VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in the city. In a statement released on the club's website, a spokesperson said: 'Outside of Celtic Park, while we want to celebrate in style, we want to do so mindful of others and in a safe and responsible manner. 'The club has engaged in recent months with local community and residents' groups, many of which include Celtic supporters, and it is clear that large gatherings in public spaces, even when positive and celebratory, can cause issues for those living and working in these areas. 'While previous celebrations involving Celtic fans have been well intentioned, unfortunately, as local community stakeholders have made clear in recent weeks, some of these have led to severe congestion and difficulties for emergency services, residents and local businesses. 'Further, without the planning, facilities and infrastructure of an organised, licensed event, the number of supporters present at previous gatherings has become so great that the safety of fans has also become an issue of real concern. 'The club encourages supporters to follow the advice issued recently by local community stakeholders in this regard. 'For all of these reasons, the club would encourage supporters not to attend unlicensed large public gatherings, which do not have safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending.' Police made 19 arrests as people gathered to celebrate Celtic's title win in May last year, and four officers were injured during disorder at the impromptu gathering at Glasgow Cross. On Thursday, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: 'We are aware of concerns regarding events in Glasgow on Saturday with large crowds expected to gather. 'I'd like to reassure the public we are working closely with Glasgow City Council to minimise disruption to the wider community and a proportionate policing plan is in place, with a focus on public safety. 'We respect the right to public assembly, however it is everyone's responsibility to ensure their behaviour does not negatively impact businesses or those looking to enjoy our city. 'Please do not gather in large groups and be respectful of those around you. 'If you are planning to visit Glasgow city centre on Saturday, it will be much busier than normal. There is also likely to be increased usage of public transport, so make travel arrangements in advance.' A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said on Thursday: 'We want supporters of every team in Glasgow to be able to celebrate their successes but ask fans – including those visiting – to please avoid disruptive mass gatherings at Merchant City/Trongate and other public places. 'These events and others like them have consistently led to disorder – causing significant disruption for the local community and businesses. 'Damage to buildings and infrastructure robs the public purse of hundreds of thousands of pounds that would otherwise be spent on the essential services we all rely on. 'Enjoy trophy day, but respect the city and your neighbours. Do not attend unsafe and disruptive gatherings in public places like Merchant City/Trongate.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtic fans defy club with unsanctioned league title street party
Celtic fans have defied their club's wishes and staged an unsanctioned title celebration in Glasgow's Trongate. Thousands of supporters gathered after watching their team list the Scottish Premier League trophy following a 1-1 draw with St Mirren. The club had issued a statement during the week encouraging its fans not to take part in unofficial post-match celebrations on Saturday, amid fears of disorder on the same day as an Orange Order event. However, the request was ignored as a huge crowd gathered in the May sunshine to celebrate Celtic's 55th league title. The unofficial street party has become something of an annual ritual in Glasgow, with Celtic winning the past four league titles. However celebrations this year will clash with the Orange Order's VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in the city. Fans defied the club's plea not to gather (Image: NQ/Gordon Terris) A heavy police presence was observed in the area as fans gathered. Police made 19 arrests at the celebration in May last year, and four officers were injured during disorder at the impromptu gathering at Glasgow Cross. The club said on Friday that although it understands previous unofficial celebrations held in Glasgow were 'well intentioned', it is discouraging fans from attending this year due to concerns from local residents and city officials. Police were deployed to the Trongate (Image: NQ/Gordon Terris) In a statement released on the club's website, a spokesperson said: 'Outside of Celtic Park, while we want to celebrate in style, we want to do so mindful of others and in a safe and responsible manner. 'The club has engaged in recent months with local community and residents' groups, many of which include Celtic supporters, and it is clear that large gatherings in public spaces, even when positive and celebratory, can cause issues for those living and working in these areas. 'While previous celebrations involving Celtic fans have been well intentioned, unfortunately, as local community stakeholders have made clear in recent weeks, some of these have led to severe congestion and difficulties for emergency services, residents and local businesses. 'Further, without the planning, facilities and infrastructure of an organised, licensed event, the number of supporters present at previous gatherings has become so great that the safety of fans has also become an issue of real concern.' It added: 'The club encourages supporters to follow the advice issued recently by local community stakeholders in this regard. 'For all of these reasons, the club would encourage supporters not to attend unlicensed large public gatherings, which do not have safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending.' The celebration came after Celtic lifted the league trophy (Image: PA) On Thursday, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland issued a similar plea. He said: 'We are aware of concerns regarding events in Glasgow on Saturday with large crowds expected to gather. 'I'd like to reassure the public we are working closely with Glasgow City Council to minimise disruption to the wider community and a proportionate policing plan is in place, with a focus on public safety. 'We respect the right to public assembly, however it is everyone's responsibility to ensure their behaviour does not negatively impact businesses or those looking to enjoy our city. 'Please do not gather in large groups and be respectful of those around you. 'If you are planning to visit Glasgow city centre on Saturday, it will be much busier than normal. There is also likely to be increased usage of public transport, so make travel arrangements in advance.' READ MORE: Celtic 1 St Mirren 1: Instant reaction to the burning issues Hundreds march on Glasgow's streets for VE Day Orange Walk Fans have gathered on the same day as an Orange Walk in Glasgow (Image: NQ/Gordon Terris) A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said on Thursday: 'We want supporters of every team in Glasgow to be able to celebrate their successes but ask fans – including those visiting – to please avoid disruptive mass gatherings at Merchant City/Trongate and other public places. 'These events and others like them have consistently led to disorder – causing significant disruption for the local community and businesses. 'Damage to buildings and infrastructure robs the public purse of hundreds of thousands of pounds that would otherwise be spent on the essential services we all rely on. 'Enjoy trophy day, but respect the city and your neighbours. Do not attend unsafe and disruptive gatherings in public places like Merchant City/Trongate.' The gathering has become an annual ritual for some fans (Image: NQ/Gordon Terris) Celtic said the club have been trying to come to an arrangement with city officials so fans have a designated venue to flock to for matchday celebrations. The club spokesperson said: 'Celtic has been trying for some time to work with city stakeholders to seek to discuss and develop plans, which might allow for a more suitable venue for celebratory events away from Celtic Park. 'We can assure our fans that we will continue to do so, as we strive to develop appropriate arrangements for our supporters in the future, as is the case in other cities. 'As we enjoy our fourth successive Premiership title, let's celebrate safely and responsibly. 'Everyone at Celtic thanks you sincerely for your continued support.'
