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Scotsman cautioned by police for Southgate skeleton effigy

Gareth’s glory: The England manager has been dubbed a national hero – but not by Scots
Gareth’s glory: The England manager has been dubbed a national hero – but not by Scots

A Scotsman has been charged after erecting a bizarre effigy of Gareth Southgate on his roof.

Kenneth Whyte, 57, dressed a model skeleton to look like the England manager following the Three Lions’ World Cup exit.

Having a dig at the auld enemy, the Carnoustie resident attached a waistcoat with signings taunting “our English friends”.

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Another read: “Please remember the route, for when you are coming home again.”

Proud Scot Whyte maintained it was a playful poke but was stunned when officers turned up at his door on Monday.

They took the skeleton away and charged him with a breach of the peace.

He told The Courier: “I put it up as a joke. If what I have done is a criminal matter then people should be really worried.

“A couple of officers came by on Sunday to talk to me about it, but I kept it up and then on Sunday evening around eight officers came to the house and took it away.

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“This wouldn’t have happened if the Open wasn’t taking place now.

“There will be thousands more people coming down the road and I thought the sign would be a memorable way for people to remember their way back and not get lost.

“It’s just meant as a bit of banter between England and Scotland.

“The police told me they were taking the skeleton away for evidence, but haven’t told me when they’ll return it. I want my skeleton back.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed: “We can confirm that a 57-year old man from the Carnoustie area has been charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to an alleged breach of the peace incident following complaints from members of the public.”