Scotland may have bowed out of the World Cup, but the nation remains at fever pitch over the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth. That means most of us will be looking on jealously tonight as England take on Argentina in the semi-finals.
Match Divides Scotland
It’s a match that will divide Scotland – as the “Anyone But England” contingent of the Tartan Army will be praying that Messi and his team-mates end England’s World Cup hopes. There will be others, however, who have a soft spot for Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and the rest of the English lads.
England and Scotland have a football rivalry going back to 1872 – when the teams met in the world’s first international fixture in Glasgow. So it’s only natural that many Scotland fans are keen to avoid a repeat of 1966, when England won the World Cup and haven’t stopped going on about it since.
Friendly Rivalry Key
The main thing is that it should always be about the football – and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of banter between friendly neighbours. But as we report today, a Tory councillor has waded in to slam some of the Scotland support for backing the “cheating Argies”. Cllr Tracy Colyer has also raised the Falklands War as a reason why we should all be backing England. This is unhelpful and totally misses the point.
Many Scots have fought – and died – in the British armed forces, side by side with comrades from England, Wales and Northern Ireland – as well as Commonwealth nations across the world. Those bonds run deep across the United Kingdom and football rivalry will never cause them to break. But there is always room for friendly rivalry between neighbouring nations. Bringing war and politics into football does nobody any favours.
Speak Up Nicola
As the police probe continues into the financial situation in the independence movement, Nicola Sturgeon issued a fresh statement refusing to reveal details of her statement to police. Her lawyer also issued comments outlining that her estranged husband Peter Murrell had no access to Yes Scotland finances. She has been very active on social media posing with pals in London, visiting book festivals and generally appearing like a woman without a care in the world.
It’s odd that the ex-first minister has remained in the public eye given that she had very little to say when her other half was sent to jail. She also refuses to speak out on the key questions many Scots want answered – such as explaining her role in warning whistleblowers not to spill the beans on SNP finances. It is time for the former FM to start being open with the public about what happened with cash donated for the independence movement.
