Australian athletes competing at the Commonwealth Games have reportedly been warned not to wear their team uniforms during training runs through Glasgow over safety fears.
Athlete stumbles across murder scene
The advice came after one athlete reportedly stumbled across the scene of a murder while out jogging and follows violent disorder linked to anti-immigration protests in the city centre. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian middle-distance runner Ollie Hoare was on a training run on Friday afternoon when he came across the scene on Burgher Street, where 44-year-old Paul McMinigal had been found seriously injured.
Emergency services rushed to the area, but Mr McMinigal was pronounced dead. Detectives have since launched a murder investigation. The newspaper also cited the clashes that erupted in Glasgow city centre on Saturday as contributing to concerns among the Australian camp.
Violent protests and arrests
More than 1,700 people took part in opposing anti-immigration and anti-racism demonstrations, with violence breaking out after a group of around 100 people moved into the city centre. Police Scotland has so far made 15 arrests for offences including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.
Team advised to train in groups
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Australian athletics team management has advised athletes who train on Glasgow's streets to run in groups and avoid wearing the team's distinctive green and gold kit to prevent attracting unnecessary attention.
Australian Commonwealth officials have sought to play down the concerns, insisting athletes are routinely encouraged to train in civilian clothing when running on public roads and that they remain confident in the security arrangements for the Games.
An Australian team spokesperson said: "We are working closely with Glasgow 2026 to ensure the safety of our athletes, coaches and officials, as well as their family and friends, at the Games."
