Former Celtic star Stiliyan Petrov has made a clear statement to distance himself from the political ambitions of his son, after it was confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov Jr. will stand as a candidate for Reform UK in the upcoming English elections.

Petrov Jr., who shares the name of the ex-Hoops midfielder, will contest the Lapworth and West Kenilworth constituency under the right-wing party’s banner, fronted by Nigel Farage. The news drew attention across football and political circles, with questions inevitably put to the elder Petrov.

“First of all I’ve never been into politics, I never will be,” as quoted by The National.

“My son is passionate about the world and I’ve encouraged that strongly.

“Even though we haven’t agreed in certain cases, he is his own man.

“He is an independent, young individual, who works hard, is happy to help the community, and you know what, he’s a young man who draws his own path in life and you know what, with the young kids now, they’ve got their own choices.

“But like I said, I’m miles away from politics, I don’t have an interest whatsoever.”

Stan Jr. says he wants to stand up for working people, yet he’s running for a party that opposed the Employment Rights Bill—legislation designed to ban zero-hour contracts, outlaw fire and rehire practices, strengthen trade union rights, and protect parents and pregnant women. Reform UK MPs joined the Conservatives in voting against the bill, though it still passed. It’s a vote that spits in the face of the very workers they say they represent.

The party’s conduct on the campaign trail comes as no surprise either. Campaigners linked to Reform UK have been reported using homophobic and racist language, and just this week, the party confirmed it would continue backing a candidate despite the resurfacing of racist tweets. I could go on, but I’d be here all day.

For all the talk of being different, Reform UK appears to be walking a well-worn path—one that closely resembles the playbook of Nigel Farage’s previous political ventures.