London - The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, yesterday urged employers who see their staff misbehaving in France on television during the World Cup to sack them when they get back. The Prime Minister called on businesses to "take strong action against those people that are convicted of football offences abroad".
Mr Blair's rallying call was criticised last night by a lawyer. Ms Stephanie Klass, employment law specialist, believes some employers could find themselves facing tribunals if they dismissed employees convicted during the trouble in France.
The former Conservative health minister, Gerry Malone, was facing an uncertain future as editor of the European last night after allegations that he hit a woman member of staff.
Ms Nicola Davidson, who is the assistant editor of the magazine with responsibility for features, said Mr Malone had hit her after spending the afternoon in the pub watching the Scotland-Brazil football match. Andrew Neil, editor-in-chief of the European, is considering his next move.