NZ boy in England soccer shirt attacked in Scotland

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has condemned a racist attack in Edinburgh on a seven-year-old New Zealand boy, who was punched because the boy was wearing an England soccer shirt.

Mr Blair said the assaults were "appalling and totally unjustifiable", and that they "besmirched the reputation of the Tartan Army".

The assaults were also condemned by the Scottish National Party and the First Minister of Scotland, Jack McConnell. Lothian and Borders police said the incident was "cowardly and pathetic".

The Independent newspaper today reported that a businessman had offered a £1000 ($3000) reward for the arrest of the thug who attacked the boy, Hugo Clapshaw, and his father Damon, 34.

Mr Clapshaw, a finance worker who has been living in Edinburgh for two years, said his son was a "kilted Kiwi" who was wearing an England soccer team top last Saturday afternoon.

Mr Clapshaw told The Scotsman newspaper the thug, believed to be aged 25 to 30, bounded past 1.05m tall Hugo before punching him and swearing at him. He then walked away.

Mr Clapshaw chased after him but the thug punched him to the ground and kicked him.

"I ran after him to ask why he did it. He was wild faced, full of rage, eyes bulging. He had unzipped his puffa jacket and was touching the crest of his Rangers shirt. I decided to walk away and go back to my family.

"But as my back was turned, he ran up and punched me on the jaw. Then he punched me on the head.

"I fell and he kicked me. I thought he might even stab me after he reached into his pocket.

"If we'd been lager louts shouting from the rooftops after an English victory over Scotland I'd understand local anger."

Hugo told the BBC: "I just felt this big whack and I started crying".

"His eyes looked very fierce. He whacked me on the head very, very hard and it's left a big bruise.

"It was maybe because I had an England shirt on. He told my dad I should be supporting Scotland, not England."

Mr Clapshaw added: "I am a Kiwi and Hugo is half Kiwi and half Scottish. He plays rugby and only got into football because it's all over the television.

"Clearly England are the only British team in the competition and so he didn't think he was showing any lack of allegiance by supporting them.

"We want England to win and I don't see why we should say that nervously or quietly.

Hugo said he would continue wearing his new England top, which his parents bought for him a week ago.

- NZPA