Rangers legend Graeme Souness has launched a blistering attack on Nigel Farage.
He dismissed the Reform UK leader as a "chancer" who "doesn't care about us" whilst endorsing Labour candidate Davy Russell in today's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.
The former Liverpool and Scotland star accused Farage of being "all talk" and someone who would "show up for the cameras, then disappear when it matters."
Souness urged voters to back Russell instead, describing him as "one of your own, a local man that knows what it's like to graft, to face challenges head-on, and to stand up for his community."
Graeme Souness has called Nigel Farage 'a chancer'
PA
The football pundit, who managed Rangers between 1986 and 1991, told voters: "Vote for someone who knows you and will stand up for you - Davy Russell."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar welcomed the endorsement, stating: "I'd like to thank Graeme Souness for his support.
"He couldn't be more right, Nigel Farage is a dangerous clown and the people of Scotland see right through him."
Souness, now a television pundit known for his forthright opinions, remains hugely popular in Larkhall for his successful spell at Ibrox.
His intervention comes as the constituency prepares to elect a new MSP in what has become one of the most contentious by-elections in recent memory.
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Souness joins fellow football icon Sir Alex Ferguson in backing Russell, with the former Manchester United manager having declared earlier in the campaign: "I've known Davy Russell for years, and I can say without hesitation that he's a man of integrity, determination, and deep commitment to his community."
Ferguson praised Russell as someone who "understands the people" and "never forgets where he comes from."
The by-election has become a three-way contest between Labour, the SNP and Reform UK.
Scotland has never elected a Reform MSP, though the party made significant gains in last month's English elections.
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Graeme Souness is hugely popular in the area and remains a Rangers legend
PA
The by-election was triggered by the death of SNP minister Christina McKelvie in March.
Reform have increased spending on the Facebook advertisement from approximately £8,000 to nearly £25,000.
First Minister John Swinney said voters face a "simple choice" between electing an SNP MSP or ending up with a Reform MSP.
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