Scottish football fans have slammed Moray councillor Tracy Colyer after she told Scots they should be “fecking ashamed” for supporting Argentina against England in the World Cup semi-final. Colyer, a Scottish Conservatives councillor, posted remarks on Facebook referencing the 1982 Falklands conflict between Britain and Argentina, sparking a widespread backlash.
Councillor's remarks ignite controversy
In a widely circulated post on a Moray community page, Colyer wrote: “Come nowhere near me if you are supporting the cheating ‘hand of god’ Argies. For all you idiots out there that are blinkered, Scottish soldiers fought in the Falklands War in 1982.” She detailed the involvement of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, who sailed to the islands in May 1982 aboard the Queen Elizabeth II and fought in the Battle of Mount Tumbledown. The Falklands War lasted 74 days, with 255 British military personnel, three Falkland Islanders, and 649 Argentinians killed. Colyer added: “So all you people who think you are dissing the English you are dissing your kin and shame on you! Hope you are fecking ashamed cos I am of you all.” The term “Argies” is widely regarded as a derogatory term for Argentinians and has long been associated with the conflict.
Tartan Army response
Edinburgh Tartan Army member Carey McEvoy, who created a fan-only ticket exchange for Scotland supporters, branded Colyer’s comments “nonsense.” He said: “I think there’s a bit of political mischief involved in Cllr Colyer’s post. If not, and her emotion is real, that’s a shame. Football is not war. 35,000 Scots died in Europe in WW2 but look at all the connections and friendships created in Germany at Euro 24. Linking the two is nonsense. In terms of Argentina, the Tartan Army have been singing about Maradona since 86 and many of us have had Argentina tops in the drawer long before this week. It’s about football and having a laugh at our greatest rivals when we get the chance.”
Online backlash
The remarks attracted hundreds of comments on Facebook. One fan wrote: “The football rivalry between England and Scotland has always meant that most Scots will support whoever is playing England. It’s nothing to do with politics or hate and shouldn’t be represented in this way.” Another commented: “England play Argentina and have a German manager, is she in favour of that?” A third said: “We are all happy to support Germany, Japan and Italy when they play England too.”
Context and security measures
England are seeking to defeat defending champions Argentina to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. The match revives memories of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, where Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal. Argentina’s players were recently caught on camera singing a chant referencing the Falkland Islands, Maradona, and Lionel Messi. However, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said the rivalry is “just a game of football” and predicted “football will do its talking.” Authorities confirmed increased security for the clash, with Atlanta police stating: “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming Fifa World Cup semi-final match... the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.”
Apology from Scottish Tories
Last night the Scottish Conservatives apologised over Colyer’s remarks. A party spokesman said: “As an elected councillor, Councillor Colyer recognises the importance of always using appropriate language. She posted these thoughts in a personal capacity, but apologies for any offence that has been taken.”
