A MAN has admitted racially abusing Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf in a Glasgow street.
Christopher Chisholm pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to acting in a racially aggravated manner towards Mr Yousaf while the MSP was selling the Big Issue for charity outside Queen street Station last year.
A video of the incident on February 7 last year shows Chisholm telling Mr Yousaf he doesn't want to buy a Big Issue form him because "you're not from my country, mate".
Mr Yousaf told him he was born in Scotland and Chisholm went on to talk about Romanians and Bulgarian Big issue sellers then walked away stating "charity helps at home, mate".
The case has been adjourned until June 16 for reports when Mr Chisholm is expected to be sentenced.
After the court hearing Mr Yousaf said: "I am delighted with the outcome of this case. It shows that racism will not be tolerated in Scotland.
"When Christopher Chisholm made his racial remarks to me I was selling the Big Issue to raise money for the good work they do, I doubt he would have made these comments had he known I was a Government Minister.
" This highlights the abuse that Big Issue vendors, who are looking for a hand up not a hand out, have to endure on a regular basis. My admiration for Big Issue vendors has only increased after this episode.
"I hope the outcome of this case demonstrates that those who suffer from any sort of discrimination should not have to passively take abuse. They should report it and ensure we send out a strong message that we have a zero-tolerance approach to bigotry, racism and xenophobia in whatever form it exists."
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