It is quite simply laughable that Scots are being described as "bigoted" because we don't chosse to support England and in some cases choose to support whomever England happen to be playing.

As a Hearts fan I hope that Hibs lose every game they play. Ask a Man United fan how they want Liverpool to do or a Spurs fan if they were cheering on Arsenal???

I see England as our football rival, I get the feeling many people in England do not consider Scotland to be a rival as our team is not what is used to be.

So, my message to England football fans is this, you may no longer consider Scotland to be a footballing rival of yours, but I most certainly do, and always will.

I was born and brought up in Scotland but now live and work in England. I watched the game on Saturday in a pub with English colleagues, friends and strangers. Sure, I was subjected to some light hearted banter about my heritage and a few questions as to where my Paraguay shirt was. In all, the atmosphere was terrific and the company was equally good. I'm looking for a good World Cup and if England are good enough to win it, I'll applaud them as much as any other side who prevail. As for Jack McConnell, well if he represents the calibre of politician Scotland can expect as an ambassador for the nation, perhaps we should seriously consider whether or not devolution was worth all the effort. For me this is the real issue Scotland needs to address. McConnell is the senior politician in the country and should have known better than be drawn into this discussion in the first place. And for all those who think this has nothing to do with politics but is about football, have I missed something during my time in England? Is it now possible to separate the two in Scotland?

Ha,Ha,
I think that they will get through to the knock out stage. Maybe the quarter finals, or if lucky (as with their goal on Saturday), maybe the semi's. The English press by then will be in a frenzie, and will come up with the idea that they were robbed, cheated out of the cup.
By then maybe rooney will have been given a game, re broked his foot and been sent off for loutish behaviour.
You read it here first :-)

I'm not a huge fan of Jack McConnell either, but I see his point about wanting to support the "underdogs" and I say that if anything has been "the Scottish way" it is surely this - I think it's only our Scottish inferiority complex that makes us feel that England is rubbing our nose in it when they reminisce about 1966 and I agree that if it were the other way about, us Scots would still be rejoicing 40 years down the line, and why not? But above all, I'll be interested to see who plays the best football, wherever they come from

To Lucifer and Dougie, I guess I have been in error and I apologise. I guess we do live in the past of 60 years ago, I just didn't know that Scotland was neutral at the time,I thought we shared that bit of history.
Ps. Re living in the past. I remember the build up this year at Murrayfield, with William Wallace on the field...pot & kettle?

As an Englishman who has settled in Edinburgh the banter going on at present is actually quite amusing! Scotland didn't qualify for the World Cup - most Scots blame Berti Vogts for this failure. Interestingly he isn't Scottish. Why don't the Scots look at themselves - the Scottish Executive should be taking the lead and investing in Scottish Sport. One off successes such as the rugby victory get applauded yet you only have to look at the number of young Scottish players making it through to the SPL to see that the mentality of investing in our youngsters isn't there. Wee Jack should perhaps focus his attention on supporting the talent in Scotland.

Why do the English get so hung up about us Scots not supporting them?
If the shoe was on the other foot we certainly wouldn’t expect them to support us.
All the European teams don’t expect their neighbouring countries to support them so there’s no reason why the UK countries should expect that either.

One of the earlier posters suggested that you do not get anti-Scottish slogans on walls in schools in England, perhaps this is true, however only yesterday, one of my children was bullied for stating that she was Scottish and not English.

I must say also, have pity for us poor Scots down South.....thousands upon thousands of St. George's crosses flying (no sign of British flags!!!) .....looking forward to seeing them disappear overnight ;-) he he!

As a Scot in London I've seen numerous reactions to "anti-English" comments. Most are taken in jest, although it is true that some people take things too far. But isn't that the case with many situations, it is the actions of the few that are reported in the press, not the actions of the many?
I wear a Brazil shirt with pride, not as "a bitter Scot", but as a supporter of the national team of my relatives. The fact I have to explain this situation every time is a sad reflection of peoples attitude. Why not accept individual choice for what it is, the right of a person to support who they wish.
The First Minister's support of sportsmen working in Scotland should be applauded.
If I were to make a business decision based on my own personal opinions of people and their beliefs, I'm not sure I would still have a business to be making decisions about.

Deep fried "Believe" bar you mean?

Jack McConnell was only drawn into the debate due to the nonsensical actions of his colleagues in London.

I don't remember government ministers, or the Prime Minister no less, flying St George's flags out of every available orifice at World Cups in the past (even when England actually won it!)

Should Scotland play in the next World Cup I would now hope to see the saltire to be flying aboove Downing Street.

I noticed that the name of the comapany has been kept quiet. I would hope that a newspaper like the Scotsman could substansiate the story by reporting the name of the company, or is this just another establishment ruse to frighten us into doing what the English want, our undying servitude.

The utter pettiness of the "English Company" is untrue. If they are this pettuy in their businees deaslings then good riddance to them.

If anything this simply highlights the insecurities than many English people feel about their own nation.

We Scots have had a bashing all week on GMTV and in the Sun newspaper. I don't see any Scots cancelling any do's down south. maybe this just shows that Scotland is more mature.

Have the English lost their sense of humour?

I, personally am supporting England at the moment, although reading complaints like the above casts doubt on my commitment. I will be interested to see what crude, Nazi/ Sausage/ Sauer-Kraut related abuse the English tabloids try to pass of as "humour" if England come up against germany at any stage.

You see.... I can't help thinking about the semis night during Italia '90, during which my dad's AUSTRIAN registered car was vandalised whilst parked in Teddington, SW London. Or of the Russian student knifed to death in brighton because a bunch of yobs thought he was German during Euro '96. Or of the Sun newspaper's ingenious front page portrayal of Stuart Pierce in a Tommy hat rallying the troops prior to the semis of the same competition.
Did anyone else see the photo of the beer bellied chav in a St. George Cross emblazoned Tommy hat, wielding his inflatable spitfire li-lo whilst wallowing in a Frankfurt fountain in yesterday's Sunday Times?

Perhaps my English friends have lost their sense of irony...... Maybe we should concentrate on endearing ourselves to the Germans. They like Scottish scenery and kilts, have plenty of tourist dollars and big companies which could invest in Scotland, and there are cheap flights between our two nations. And crucially, in the battle of the bad hair-do, I still prefer the Teutonic perm to the English skin-head.

I have been a regular visitor to Scotland but definitely felt unwelcome on his my last visit with my family, the worst incident was when the kids were chased out of a local playpark.
There is a change of mood in Scotland which is not good, its no longer friendly banteriing its threatening I have to go because of business but I will never take my family back..
I also had a friend that was on a work assignment near glasgow, but sent his family back after 1 year because his daughter sufferred horrendous bullying in school for being of English parentage.

Born in England, live in Scotland, roots in both countries, and am British.

Sentiment against any country is best avoided. It may start out as harmless banter, but some folks inevitably miss the line when it becomes something a little more sinister, especially with the help of the press. It's a subject that politicians should have the brains to simply shut up about.

For heavens sake Mr First Minister - GROW UP! I am Scottish and proud of it but have lived and worked in England for 40 years. The only difference between the two "races" as far as I can see are the accents. All this bigotry makes me sick.

I am an Englishman, but I love Scotland, I even intend to come and retire there when I leave my current job. It's a stunningly beautiful country and I have never had an issue with anti-English comments. Perhaps thats because I always visit the more remote areas for the mountaineering.

But I am aware that they are said and thought and it's really making me think twice about moving up there. I will be investing money in the Scottish economy, granted, in a small way, but money none the less. There are many English folks that feel the same, and thats Scotlands loss. The country is suffering a huge population decline at the moment and relies on both imigrants and tourism and comments such as the first ministers do nothing to help either.

Many of the comments here have obviously been written by Scottish people that either agree with the First Minister or see nothing wrong in what he said - but it is clear to me, an Englishman, that the First Minister means it as an affront to England - even if he didn't his words make it sound that way. He should know better than that, he is the leading politician there and should be actively trying to make your economy better, not damaging it in the way he has. By his words he has brought politics into football and has helped to create a little bit more of a wedge in Scottish/English relations.

I'll never stop visiting Scotland, like I said, I love the place and have always found the Highland people friendly and welcoming. But the words of the first minister allied to the actions of a minority of racist bigots (thats what they are) can only cause your great country damage.

I'm English and I have lived in Scotland for 15 years. Firstly, I'm completely immune to this but I would prefer to be able to support my team like a Swede, German or any other national without fear in Scotland. I don't think anybody in England is bothered whether Scots support England, it is the position of supporting every team against England that people don't get. I hear the argument that England are Scotland's rivals and in club football you want your rivals to get humped in every game. That may be the case but I've never known a Ranger's or Celtic fan buy the opposition teams shirt and go out to the pub to see the opposition team even in European competition.

Britishness has been rammed down the throats of English people for years in a way that just hasn't been present or effective in Scotland for many decades. One manifestation of Britishness in England is that you support a) England b) any other "home" nation. The growing resentment to Scots doing exactly the opposite is possibly derived from the feeling that the English people have been had.

I think that we should be told the name of this company, where the managers are so upsete about a game of footie. We can then all consider if we want to do business with these narrow minded people.

I'm English but married to a Scot and lived in Glasgow for 10 years and thoroughly enjoy the banter with Scots about football, both pro and anti. I don't think there will be any long lasting effect on the Scottish economy as the World Cup will soon be forgotten, I also think the English company are daft to cancel their conference, but as many posters have stated it is all a matter of choice.
There are also no real hang ups down south about who the Scots support, either the overwhelming majority don't know who the Scots support or wouldn't care either way.
I agree Scots should support whoever they want and shold be under no obligation to support England, just as I am under no obligation to support Scotland and usually do cheer on whoever they are playing against.

Don't be so patrionising!
Lets be frank here, from what you said Jack Mc. should be supporting all the teams, to promote tourism and attract people here, not just English people.
Lets make another point.
Jack Mc. may indeed beleive what he said, or could it be he has his eyes on the Scottish Election next year!!
Just as Gordon Brown may actually support England, but likewise, has he got his eye on the Prime Ministers seat. He needs the support of the English to do that (although why he would want to be in chage of the Labour party that lose the next election, heaven only knows.)
Politics, my friends, Politics
Richard wants to become one of the many retired people in Scotland. This is not really helping the economy that much, better to have young English families here, as there are, who become a part of the community and are warmly welcomed.

Tim has got it right. As a fiercely loyal Scot who has worked in England for the past 20 years, I am an APE (supporting Anyone Playing England). This is in spite of liking the english as they are a very friendly nation would you believe.I therefore don't condone anyone receiving any abuse (my apologies Helen) because football is a sport which is meant to unite.
However, until England recognise that they have no divine right win avery competition they enter or to rubbish the opposition (incl. jeering through national anthemns), then I will continue to support the opposition.

Please please please..... who gives a toss. We've got enough support in England. Stop thinking that we even care whether you support us our opponents.... I've a great fondness for some Scottish players Billy Bremner, Gordon Strachan to name a couple, but I'd never support Scotland - this doesn't mean I would want them to do badly either. Just a shame they haven't got the chance to do anything but watch........ha ha ha!

First of all. Let me put my cards on the table. I am an extremely proud Scot, but have lived in London for the largest part of my life. My children are English, and at every occasion and in ALL sports have always supported Scotland and Scots players and have NEVER supported England. Mr McConnell's comments and attitudes are deplorable and are the direct results of devolution for Scotland, a political situation that should never have occurred as the strength of Britain has historically been its unity ie. United Kingdom. One should always be permitted to owe one's allegiance to which ever country one wishes without being detrimental or insulting to another. With regards to Irn Bru and Scottish notes not being available in England, we are confronted with another false comment. Please when people make statements make certain they are accurate.

i'd just like to point out that it's unfair to take a 'england's more bigotted than scotland'/vice versa stance- it's insulting to be grouped into a national stereotype when it's a small proportion of people giving whichever nation a bad name.

I am English, living in Scotland for the past three years. The First Minister doesn't worry me and I think moving a conference on his comments alone is an over-reaction. I don't care who Scots support. In days past when Scotland qualified and England didn't I chose to support Scotland, but it was a free choice. I wouldn't do so now, not because of the First Minister's decision to distance himself from London for political and electoral reasons by supporting Trinidad, but because of the excuse that the World Cup has given Scots to demonstrate their racist aversion to the English. If I was an English company looking for a venue, I wouldn't come here, not because of the First Minister, but because coming to a place where a large percentage of the population are gratuitously offensive to you doesn't make a lot of sense.

Well this has developed into a slanging match hasn't it? Someone even dragging WWII into it too. LOL.

C'mon people, who cares which team you support it's hardly worth all this aggravation.

It's only a game.

So one anonymous English company cancels a conference for whatever reason, and then CLAIMS it was all wee Jack's fault. Sounds like a stitch-up to me.
And anyway, what else can the English do to us? Make us take back our oil and gas?

I agree with Paul. I am a supporter of good football, which I have witnessed in every game so far apart from Saturday afternoon at 2pm! As Scots we tend to support the underdog because generally speaking that is where we find ourselves in most sports. Anyway, according to all we read and hear, England are going to win the World Cup, even without our support! Cheers to GOOD FOOTBALL

Dear me - these comments keep on coming. The more i read the Scots being rude against the English the more i want to leave this country.
I think Scots have one big, massive inferiority complex. Get over it. Support who you want to support but just let the English support their country too. Scots go on and on an on about being a proud nation - that's great - but let the English be proud too and just grow up.

I think that everyone has a valid point, but each point when viewed on its own drastically skews the big picture.

Through history, English Kings, Lords, and Politicians, in league with greedy and corrupt Scottish Lairds and Gentry have robbed, raped, murdered and abused the Scots. In turn we have occasionally managed some success in our mini rebellions.

We still have a National Anthem that is anti Scottish and those arrogant enough to suggest that simply because they no longer sing the offending verse, that should be enough to dissuade Scottish sentiment are greatly mistaken.

Most Scots get on well with the English. We find that we have much in common with supporters from Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Tyneside, and what I may term as real places and real people of character. What we find a bit hard to swallow is the media, and particularly the supercilious, sycophantic, BBC London and Home Counties establishment who assume that everyone agrees with them.

For the last forty years we have had 1966 rammed down our throats, you can forgive us if we do not want this repeated for the next forty years. There is rarely an England game goes by without 1966 being mentioned within the first 20 minutes.

Scots love good football and good footballers. Most will concede that Wayne Rooney would get a great reception if he signed for any Scottish team. I think that Man U have yet to respond to Gretna’s offer. Many English Stars who signed for Rangers have chosen to remain in Scotland. The Scots are resourceful, friendly, passionate, and have a fantastic sense of humour (Not always shared by some of the uptight persuasion). Many newspapers choose to deliberately misinterpret these attributes and cause mischief in order to sell their products.

So here’s tae us and wha’s like us, damn few and they’re a’ died.

Rob,
Our culture and history is very different, unless you have the 'union jack' history, that nothing happened before 1707.
Even within the UK, our histories are very different.
To answer you, yes many English are bigoted and arrogant, just as some people here are, and indeed throughout the world. It is a nasty part of the human makeup. Your media are the real culprits though.
As for inferiority, I have none, whae's like us ;-)

I agree with those who claim mindless jingoism is a bad thing. But I think I'm echoing the thoughts of many Scots when I say that its not actually the England TEAM
we are irritated by. The England football team is a more than competent side which will not be good enough to win the trophy, like other teams such as the perennial under-achievers as Portugal, Spain and Holland. The problem we have is with the media down there, the crowing, the hand-wringing and the premature triumphalism! They have the cheek to slag off the admittedly ridiculous Ally McLeod for his hyperbole of '78, but in fact old cool Sven (another absurd figure) is no different in his confidence that
'we can win'. With his ultra-conservative tactics, I for one doubt it. And anyway, when all is said and done, they should be downright embarassed they've
only won it on that one, distant occasion. Every other major footballing nation with a decent-sized population has won it three times or more. And that shot was never over the line....The Russian linesman was got at!

I promise to support England for every game in the World Cup, if England and English media promise not to shove it down my throat at every turn if they win.

Notice I say if, becuase the 66 final result hasn't been repeated yet.

What is really funny is the suggestion that the English have lost their sense of humour. They just didn't realise what was going on up here, and those that live here are just well used to smiling and trying to take it all as a joke. the fact remains: deliberately supporting any other team except England is not 'banter'. It is just nasty. English football supporters are not all 'yobs' as was suggested to me at work today. The view of any English person physically being in Scotland yet supporting their national team is viewed with shock and outrage. The flying of the English flag (in England!) is met with utter disgust (how dare they!). I have lived in Scotland for 14 years, and I think I have heard it all over the years. Every national stereotype and every undermining comment: Scots are nicer, friendlier, more down to earth. The history, the education system, and the politics are better, the celebrations, the literature, the inventions etc etc. Everything is superiour to the brutish English, or so the opinion goes. But sport is the absolute worst of the worst for bringing the national disgust towards the English. If you are around long enough and get on with people, their guard slips and you see what they really think because they have forgotten there is English person in the room. It is profoundly depressing to live here at this time, because you have to face up to the fact that people who you might otherwise like and respect, think is is appropriate and acceptable to make outrageous racist slurs and call it 'banter'. Recently a senior colleague chanted 'kill the english, kill the english' as a joke at work, when a match was being discussed. It was hil-arious I can tell you. I can't stand nationalism or the English lack of regard for the other nations (the media), or worst of all, the anti-German sentiment down south, but it is the double standard that is just as bad. If the Scots will ever stop harping on about the battles of the past then England should i

Rob.

Are you suggesting that because England, along with very many other countries including Scotland,was on the victorious side in WW2, that this justifies English fans behaving in an offensive and boorish way in Germany?

That's what comes across in your message.

I honestly don't think any Scot would claim that 'we' meaning 'Scotland' won the war - yet many English people appear to believe that 'they' meaning 'England' won the war single-handed.

ok so now my posts are being pulled by complianing nigels that do not like the fact that i have pointed out their fans are singing about the english raf shooting down all German bombers and taking blow up spitfires and lancaster bombers to goad the people of the host nation , i take it you English cannot handle the truth about the behaviour of your fellow engurlish compatriots ... fine

To P in Glasgow . I guess the irony was lost on you. I said we, as in the Scots, Welsh, Irish, English and the empire.I am aware of the debt of honour we owe to the Russians and the US.
I do not condone boorish behaviour and find the idea of fans waving spitfires at the hosts quite distasteful.
I also get the impression that trying to resist this cross-border bigotry is like banging my head against a wall.

he vicky try telling that to your England fans with their WW2 hym sheet and their blow up aircraft , i for one hope the German police go in heavy handed to deal with them

Innes, is dead right; what must it be like to be German in England - the way the English go on about the war, in fact they are doing it in Germany just now, i.e. wearing tin helmets and blow-up spitfires.

England; such a parcel of rogues in a nation.

There will be one great side effect from this whole situation; the unrest will push us more toward Independence, so that must be good.

Let's be honest here this whole thing has nothing to do with football and everything to do with politics. There is an underlying resentment in many quarters in Scotland about being dominated by an English Political agenda. Ever since Scotland was incorporated into the English Empire in 1707 this was bound to be the case. There is also in England an underlying resentment about the Scots being over represented in Westminster and having undue influence over English society while not considering themselves British. I think we are currently in a process of shifting tectonic plates and both the Scots and the English should decide to govern their own affairs exclusively. The next conservative government in Westminster will probably make Scotland fiscally independant anyway which is a good idea. Both peoples would then be less chippy about each other and more secure in themselves. The so called BBC desparately needs to be split up into the SBC and the E&WBC. That way we can have a balanced approach to broadcasting that suits both nations. The world is a hugely different place to 1707 and neither the English nor the Scots particularly need or want to be in bed with other politically speaking. I hope both nations will always stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of these islands and of our peoples freedom while at the same time respecting each others sovereignty and independence. Let's leave the politics out of football, the world cup is a carnival and a celebration of the beautiful game and should bring peoples together. Let's enjoy the spectacle while it lasts and may the best team win.

I’m not a flag waver but the reason you see millions of English flags rather than Union flags is simply because that’s what is for sale in the shops. McConnell made a big mistake. He couldn’t have been expected to say he supported England, that’s entirely optional, but to say the opposite was bizarre. He was not really saying that he wanted to support Scottish team players, but looking for any excuse to support opponents of the English team. In other words he was making his dislike of the English absolutely clear. In my experience English people do not dislike Scottish people at all, quite the opposite, but they are aware that there is an underlying element of anti Englishness among Scots. I don’t know if this is fed by the Scottish press.

Jack McConnell is an embarrassment to Scotland. It seems shameful that the tabloid press in Scotland encourages bigotry against the English, as they are our closest neighbours. Jack McConnell likes to spend lots of time on the issue of sectarianism, I think he should also be concerned about the songs that some small-minded Tartan Army members indulge in.

I wonder if they're having the same debate in The Netherlands just now, perhaps pondering whether they should really be supporting Germany, their next door neighbours, or maybe even Belgium? I think not.

The other day I was watching the Argentina-Ivory Coast match in a pub in New Hampshire, USA, with a group of people from Columbia and Venezuela. Funnily enough, they were cheering very vociferously for Ivory Coast to gub Argentina.

I am sick of the people who claim that to not support England or to actively support their rivals is "bigotry". Utter rubbish. Bigotry is hating a person or people for their religion or beliefs. Not liking a football team, their accompanying media and commentators is not in any way bigotry.

as a french american mixed heritage english born woman married to a scot, all this seems incredibly daft, its football people !!! yes it would appear( from others comments) there is anti scot sentiment in south of the border and anti english sentiment north of it, personally i have never had to deal with it in scotland but friends of mine who are english and living there have and my husband has had to deal with it down here ( london) altho he has stated that it has never been more than banter, either way its racism: a hostile attitude or behaviour to members of another race, based on a belief of the inate superiority of ones own race, so i was just wondering if say for instance ones child from either north or south of the border needed blood or a heart and lung transplant, just how many of the more blatently anti-english or anti-scottish would say nope your not giving me or my child those body parts id rather be dead ?
and btw i couldnt careless who anyone supports its a flipping game and like someone said earlier what happened to let the best team ( on the day/s) win ?

Scotland and England are two different countries that share a land border. As Scotland isn't in the world cup, Scots are free to support whichever, other country they want. Would France support Belgium for example? I don't think so.

I think the biggest problem here is that everyone is generalising (oops!). Seriously though, we talk about English people doing this, Scots doing that etc. but the truth is that there are Scots who support England, there are Scots who support another team but have a soft spot for England, and there are Scots who support anyone England plays against... and vice versa for England (and Wales and NI). We're all different with our own reasons and I think it's time that we stop generalising and saying that Scotland (or England) do this and that. A country is not a person after all.

Having watched, agog, the xenophobic frenzy occurring down south, the anti-Scottish sentiment being whipped up by the tabloids and the assistance being given to it by the Scotsman and its ilk, I similarly will not be visiting England for while, until they calm down. Why on earth does not supporting their football team make me anti-English? I don't support France but I'm not anti-French. You should be pointing out how ludicrous this all is rather than trying to stir it up. If you are intent on taking this so seriously and being so po-faced, then how about this? I heard an announcer on the radio this morning suggest a bounty on the heads of any Scot who doesn't support England. Just who should be frightened of whom?

I really don't have any bad feelings towards the English as a nation The English I have met have all been ordinary, pleasant folk The people I do take exception to are the media. They put everybody's back up with their overweaning arrogance and their assumption that England are going to win the World Cup - with comments like - "Wayne Rooney" will be fit to play in the final, and "this team will be England's opponents in the next round" before a ball has even been kicked!! If it wasn't for the media I might almost hope that the English team would do well - however...!!!
One thing I am pleased to see though is that the English at last have realised that they actually have a flag of their own and are proud to use it. It makes a great change to see all the St George's flags flying rather than the Union flag. Long may that continue - Mind you I'm still supporting Brazil!

I'm a Scot living in England for nearly 10 years. I'd love to be able to support the English football team - the players are skillful although i think they play for the status rather than the passion. I partied with the Greeks in Bayswater after Euro2004 and am up for another party this year - and yet I can't bring myself to cheer on the English.

I think this is threefold

1. It's like growing up with a celebrated big brother and your parents are always banging on about how wonderful he is. The Union of Scotland & England was a union of equals (with both in need of support at the time for economic or security reasons) and yet you wouldn't know it now. The English have re-written the History books virtually refering to the English empire (not much mention of all the Scots that were slaughtered in the two World Wars) and I never hear any Englishman correct any foreigners who makes the mistake of refering to the United Kingdom as a whole as England. It's either ignorance or arragonce or a horrible combination of both. The classic recent example is on The Weakest Link when the answer England to 'which country won the curling in the 2002 Olympics' was considered correct (when quite obviously Wales or Ireland would have been considered incorrect) when of course it was the British team all of whom were Scottish.

2. English football fans are an ugly breed. They riot wherever they gather - in Belgium, in Portugal, in Liverpool & Canary Wharf the other day and most likely in Germany soon when they lose a game as they inevitably will. The flag of St George has been strongly associated with facism and the slaughter of Irishmen in Northern Ireland and just the sight of it puts the fear into any non English resident of the British Isles - it's a flag of intimidation and also when sticking out of cars on cheap plastic sticks it just looks tacky - England at the moment looks like a nation of pikies. I have no desire to be associated with the worst footba

Who do you support in the World Cup when Scotlands not playing in it.... England of course as we are all one nation after all ...
... That is until you want to rollout a poll tax..!!!
... Introduce new laws regarding smoking in public places...!!!
... Make changes to schooling ...!!!
... Make changes to NHS services ..!!!
... Charge hiked petrol prices the further north you are in this one nation ... !!!
... Bleat on about how much the Scots are costing the poor in the south ... !!!

One nation Aye right....lets keep the friendly banter between Scotland and England ... good luck to them and if you are a Scot and want to support them then its up to you and if not thats up to you also...good thing about sport its all about choice.

Monty, believe me, if they do behave so badly then I too hope the German police deal with them.

You all seem to have this thought that English football fans represent the whole country - it may come as a surprise to you that they don't. Personally I prefer Rugby to footie but I will support any 'Home' team or athlete who take part in World or Olympic events. I suspect I am not the only English (or Scottish) person who does that.

From a distance, I must say this anti-English sentiment over the football is a bit pathetic and in the case of the First Minister, undiplomatic and churlish. If your country is not good enough to make the World Cup don't externalise your disappointment on to any other national group, look for the reasons at home.
As for individuals choosing to wear Brazilian shirts, what better way to demonstrate a lack of character, than jumping on a winner's bandwagon!

I am English and have lived in Scotland for 11 years. The majority of the time I have no problem or 'bullying' at all - but then every time there is a football tournament on- off it goes! I fully support England and am a big football fan. I have no objection at all to Scottish people wanting to support other teams - everyone has the right to support who they want. However, to the same end, i have a right to support England without getting abuse and bullied.
I appreciate the "media" argument- they do go on a bit but that annoys us English as much as you almost and try to remember it is not English people that go on all the time - SO please let me be happy and support my team and country - and PLEASE don't make my life too much of a misery if and when we get knocked out.

Every 2 years when a tournament is on i do beg my Scottish husband to let us move to England where there is no anti-Scottish feeling among my friends & family or anyone i have come into contact with - they all support Scotland in anything.

Victoria i like Rugby also, i have always taken the route of i support Scotland and no one else, i do not class myself as british i never have done, it becomes rather tiresome in the least having my country being refered as England , i have a major problem with that

I live in Crete now and it is World Cup gone made with English fans and English flags. If the sentiment is to change how about the English media stops going on so much about the football and the fact that England won it 40 YEARS AGO and make it that England is representing Britain and not just England! One or two bars here have the sense to put up British flags instead of just English flags. Granted there are other football mad people here from other countries but it feels to me its England England England.

i couldn't give a monkey's for England or the English and if that makes me a bigot then fine, you sassenachs can stay in your wee 1940s time zone and sing to your hearts content about winning a war you never won, thank the Soviets and the Yanks for winning it instead. a fans that take blow up spitfires and blow up lancaster bombers to a football tournament to taunt the hosts are the lowest of the low , and that is why i will never support England or the English at anything

the sooner we get independance from the rest of the UK the better

Laura from Aberdeen.
Sorry to disillusion you...BUT...Irn Bru, Square Sausage, Haggis, Caramel Wafers (and most of the Tunnocks range), Wisemans Milk, Scottish Black Pudding, Plain Bread, Tattie Scones (Scottish made), Scotch Beef...to name but a FEW are easily found in shops here. In fact the list is endless and many Scottish firms have branches here in the 'Heathen' south...including Farmfoods (based in Cumbernauld)
It is YOUR type of ill informed attitude that helps to perpetuate the Scotland/England divide.
For your information I am a born and bred Glaswegian who wears a kilt, drinks whisky (which can also be purchased here...including a LARGE selection of speciality Malts) and still talks with a Glasgow accent.

I lived in london for 3 years and I was threatened a few times by different people who claimed that i was robbing their jobs.
my scottish notes were also refused in shops dozens of times.
Scotland does not share the same culture with England as we belong to 2 different races and ignorance of this fact on the part of the english leads to resentment. We are not alone in disliking the English, just about every nation in europe doesn't for example:
Everyone in Italy can't stand the English as they are typically unfriendly and cold to foreigners but i've never once heard an italian say the same thing about the scottish.

I watched one of the many World Cup specials last week on BBC3. This was broadcast to the nation, narrated by an englishman and showed the "best" goals fom previous competitions. Sadly though every time a clip featured Scotland the narrator made a derogatory remark. This ONLY happened when Scotland was featured. Why is this allowed on the BRITISH Broadcasting Corporation and why should we Scots then be expected to support our neighbours???

OH SHUT UP!!!!
You give Scots a very bad name you know- there is pride in Scotland and then there is down right ridiculous-ness
You should be ashamed of yourself

perhaps the company cancelling for these reasons can be named and all scots worldwide can make a decision as to trade or do business with the company.
goose and gander.
i am a scot in england with no problems with the english - when they understand my accent

p, my first reaction to your comment was to think no, no English people don't think like that at all, we're well aware the war was fought by everyone in the union, but then I thought about the so called Battle of Britain and wonder why it isn't referred to as the Battle of the United Kingdom. It is a bit of a mouthfull which may be the simple explanation. I can't help being saddened by all these divisive comments, but then football is a competitive game.

Let's just hope companies in more grown-up countries than England, such as Germany, don't spit the dummy and refuse to have any dealings with England after the antics of England supporters and their media.

Anyone for a chorus of '10 German bombers', or the theme from the Dambusters?

Princess - you just don't get it.

You tell the Scots 'support who you want to support'

That's exactly what the Scots want to do. Instead every eminent Scot is interrogated by the English media to find out if he/she will be supporting England and if not, why not.

The problem isn't that of the Scots. It's of the English media (in particular). If any Scot dare state that he/she will not be supporting England then he/she is anti-Scottish. I won't be supporting France - but I love France. I'm not anti-French by supporting a different country.

.....and yet the English have no problem with their compatriots re-enacting WW2 in Germany.

Hmm, the world is falling apart, millions starving, the ozone layer getting thinner as we speak, global warming causing disasters weekly, many wars going on, many killed, injured. People homeless, raped, tortured.
And you argue over which team to 'support'. Football, a game you play for fun!
You humans are a strange lot.

The sad thing is that many of us 'english' are of Scottish parents. The irony is that genetically many of us are more 'scottish' than those who call themselves 'Scots'. Simply having an English accent that can get one abused verbally and physically by some scottish people.
The point is that there is strong anti-english sentiments by Scotish people, decidely more so than the other way round. It is now part of the scottish identity to be anti-english. The problem is that it is done in an ugly, often violent, fashion.

Diane, Maidstone / 3:19pm 12 Jun 2006 made an interesting comment. It shows that she is living on another planet. In England there is more racism than in any country i know. When you come to Scotland you expect us to act like you. When you go abroad you act like ignorantly, refusing even to utter a few words in the local tongue. My friend from bridge of allan who now lives in Bologna and works with me said that he was embarrassed at how the numerous english fans acted whilst ordering drinks refusing even to say "Grazie" but rather "fank you love" the barmaid was clueless and went a little red. A bit of courtesy when abroad please.

Re National Anthems. We down here don't all like the fact that we have to have God Save the Queen as our anthem and not one of our own like the other home nations. And when did you last hear the anti-scottish verse sung? 200 years ago I expect when the Scots and Germans were fighting over the English throne! On the other hand Scotland does have an anti-English anthem, would you mind if we had an anti-Scottish one? No? We wouldn't be allowed to but more to the point we wouldn't want one as we don't need to hate another country to feel united.

I was born in England and moved to Scotland as a child. I always supported England enjoying much banter from friends over the years but it was never anything less than good natured. I joined the Royal Navy as an adult and in the first few days was labelled a FRISP. a f****** repulsive ignorant scottish pig, purely because I had a Scottish accent. I thought fine if that's what you want, that's what I'll be and now support Scotland in all they do and still think of Scotland as home. In my experience the English are the worst for any bad feelings between the two. I still like to see England do well but also find it extremely amusing when they lose. They are the probalbly, on the whole, the most arrogant and ignorant people I've encountered. Did you hear Jonathon Pearces commentary on the game between Mexico and Iran, going on about Nurembourg and the Nazi party rallies. Enough said

! live right down in the south of England, we have many scots here, and if they wear scots shirts no one thinks anything of it. This may change because all we hear is that Scotland hate us, they will bet against us, they will support any one who plays against us and they will wear the oppositions shirts etc etc. This does not happen in England - yes really Scotland we are not like you, we support other home nations. We are not eaten up with hate for our neighbor, we cannot believe the venom that spews forth from you to us. Light hearted banter - try thinking of it the other way around and see what you would think and feel. We are not all 'Nigels' nor are we terrace hooligans, we are not the BBC commentators or the press, we are ordinary people down here and we are appalled at all the hate you feel for us.

To Gary from Cheshire, who posted his extremely direct comment stating (and i quote) "I would never visit Scotland, support Scotland, or indeed have anything to with Scotland. Through all the shenanigans going on up there, you have made one enemy out of this Englishman. Bollocks to the lot of you.
Please, someone remind him of what newspaper website he is reading and commenting on. If you refuse to have anything to do with Scotland why do you chose to read the Scotsman Newspaper? Hypocritical? Surely everyone is entitled to their opinion, especially when given in a constructive way, which it seems almost everyone who has comented on this subject has done. But to seek out a newspaper and comment in such a vindictive way (enticing others to respond in a similar manner) is surely the reason why there is so much bigotry today. Thank you Sir for such a prime example!
Poor show!

What is it about the "beautiful game" that turns you people (who mostly don't even play it) into a bunch of plonkers? I am a Scottish male person by the way!

Lot of silly people, people in Scotland should be supporting England, after all you did vote to become part of England about 300 years ago.
If you no longer want to be part of England you can always vote for the SNP.

When it come downs to it I wouldn't assosciate myself with England because of the appauling actions of their fans.

ITALIA'90
England: Hundreds of fans arrested and deported as unruly fans smash up Bologna and Rimini during the World Cup.
Scotland: 25,000 Scots fans spent a peaceful time in Italy with noone being arrested during the 2 week spell.

Sweden - EURO'92
England: 1500 fans deported after riots in Malmo.
Scotland: Fans win the 'Best Supporters' award. No-one arrested. 7 Scots got married. Because of the excellent relationship built up between the Scotland and Sweden supporters during and since EURO'92, the World Cup qualifying match against Sweden in November 1996 sees the Swedish fans seated in same stand as the main core of the Scotland support.

England - EURO'96
England: Widespread civil disturbances, cars burnt, police injured, many arrests, etc.
Scotland: 2nd place in uefa good behaviour supporters awards, fans praised by chief constable of Birmingham etc.

France - W. Cup '98
England: Widespread civil disturbances, riots (Marseille), etc.
A newspaper reported the headline 'English Fan Held in Fatal Stabbing' shortly after the Englands elimination by Argentina in Saint Etienne. The story centered on an Englishman who was remanded in custody for stabbing a Frenchman to death. The excuse for the stabbing was 'I thought he was an Argentian supporter'! As if that is supposed to make it OK.

Scotland: No arrests + best supporters award (again).

So perhaps this problem should be fully addressed before asking for support. As I have Irish and Scottish Parents my support lies with them, because it is in my blood. Since neither are in the competition I am just interested in seeing good football as in the Argentina game. Not like Englands poor performance against Paraguay.

Who says we dont deal with those issues as well as discuss football, so keep your thoughts to yourself because the implications you just made are beyond this

No one in England cares whether the Scots support England in the World Cup. What annoys people a little bit is deliberately supporting any team that plays England. Very childish.
As for Bruce in Glasgow and his list of points, I think he will find that some of them are the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament, still blame the English anyway if it makes you feel better.
The best thing the Scots can do for the English is to vote for full independence asap.

nonsense, now your detering frrom the story go elsewhere to give your unecessary views. Regardless of what you think people do act to better the situation, just not the right people. Go back to your planet for 5 weeks because theres going to be a lot of football.

Diana asks "Or Paul are you into hundreds of years of history again"

Erm no. I talking about the past few weeks of English hatred directed towards Scots.

Paul, have you met any English that weren't football supporters? And about Germany, the English don't wear the oppositions strip or bet against them or yell with delight when their opponents win.

Roger,
I used country as interchangeable with nation.
You don't need a passport to go to Ireland either and thats a completely different state!

well aileen in Greece if they we're representing britian ... they would still not be representing me .... i would rather die than support Britian in anything

one love Scotland

As someone half English, half Scots by birth, living in Scotland by choice, I have to say that the way the media have hyped this all the way along is appalling.

Firstly - who builds England up as a 'great' footballing nation? The media.

Who won't let any of us forget that England won the World Cup once upon a time? The media.

Who puts Scotland down for not being a great footballing nation? The media.

Who then asks Jack McConnell who he's supporting? The media.

Who then publishes what Jack McConnell says, thereby starting this whole damned row? The media.

The media will be rubbing their hands with glee at how they're controlling the agenda and setting up all this racial hatred. And it IS about economics, because we keep buying their papers.

Are the Welsh taking the same drubbing for not being in Germany this month? I've not seen anything about it.

The media both sides of the border are as bad as each other. At least half of the audience for the BBC & ITV news bulletins couldn't care less about Rooney's foot or the World Cup in general - because there are more important things going on in the world and football is not a priority - it's a game!

I'm not supporting anyone - let the best team win.

Why is it that the so-called 'Beautiful Game' stirs so much bad blood up in people???

Personally I couldn't give two hoots for the game. But the sentiments it causes want's me to bang people's heads together and make people GROW UP!!! It's only a game after all. The European players are only overpaid whingers anyway.

I've read above instances of racism on both parts(Scots and English), advocacy for Scottish Independence, moans and groans about whether certain products are available South of Newcastle! All this is petty and not very earth shaking in its importance.

The popular press on both sides of the 'INTRA-national' border is in some way responsible for all this hype. They're supposed to be unbiased and 'report the whole story' - absolute rubbish!!! They report only the part of the story that will sell the most newspapers. The company that cancelled it's conference in Scotland is a case in point. All this is is Sensationalist Reporting designed to stir up nationalistic sentiments giving more amunition to the extreme elements in political society.

The World Cup will end in 5 weeks and for those of us who don't follow the 'beautiful game' will all breath a great sigh of relief that it's over for another 4 years. But spare a thought for the minnows in the tournament. They are there for the fun of it not for the Political manoevring.

Personally, I'm giving my support to Brazil (only because they are the team I drew in the sweep stakes at work - NOT because I'm anti-anybody). More importantly, I'm British first and foremost. I just happened to have been born in the English part of the UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND!!!!!

Get a grip on reality for no other reason that sanity.

Chris writes "And as a Scot travelling throughout Scotland get depressed with the ""we hate the English/England is Shite" type grafitti you see around."

I travel a lot around Scotland and have only once seen such graffiti - on a bridge over the M8.

It was removed.

Diane, we don't "hate" anyone my darling, just you come up to Edinburgh and I will give you a big hug and show you there are no hard feelings!

This is all about Football and Football fans are some of the most fickle creatures on Gods earth.

Please let us not confuse footballing rivallry with hatred, I know very few Scots if any who "hate" England.

I think we all need to just take a deep breath, count to ten and shake hands. me included. the number of responses to this story is a bit shocking...

Diana,
I get your point but i have to point out that just as the English do not universally hate the Scots, neither do the Scots universally hate the English.
Also, dare i suggest that those who tease are bullies?

Maggie you're right, Wales and Cornwall are not part of
England, although I don't remember needing a passport the last time I went to Cardiff. If it weren't for the clearances I'd be a shepard or fisherman in Argyll or Ayrshire, getting in fights with Monty at the pub. (I'm sure his endurance would help him last a few rounds).

Benny, Guildford / 3:26pm 12 Jun 2006 Re National Anthems.
"200 years ago I expect when the Scots and Germans were fighting over the English throne!"

Benny, I am not aware of any time in history when Scots and Germans were fighting over the English throne. I presume you are referring to the Stuarts (3rd and 4th Generation born and bred in England by this period) and the Hanovers or William of Orange (Invited by the English parliment to take the throne). Facts please.

The dummys out go out and play children the Van'll be here soon so you can get some sweeties and a cone.

Face it, England have a disgrace of a Fanbase and us Scots have a mild disgrace of a team (its improving).. I know which one I would rather any day.

PS. 1966 World Cup Winners? anyone help me out?

Belle, there is nothing silly about opposing a bunch of beer guzzling hooligans. The English Supporters are the main cause of this whole riot, just you concern yourself with facing Italy, Ghana and the Czech Republic.

Btw... does anyone know that England won the world cup in 1966?!? I heard it on the TV the other day lol

Generally one hopes for some fairness and impartiality in journalism. I have noted that "Mr Rankin described the firm's position as an "extreme view", so where are the comments of firms showing the opposite extreme? Have there been others who have booked conferences because of the opinion expressed? Perhaps a larger survey than one company is in order.

Also, how are the publication of Mr Rankin's comments really any different than Mr. McConnell's? Would a private discussion regards a negative response been more appropriate than public castigation which seems to be stirring up MUCH more feeling and nasty comments? Could Mr. Rankin now be held equally responsible for any drop in tourism/business for publicly reporting this "extreme view", which is a qualifier that many will miss outside of the headline?

Belle,
Universal suffrage did not exist at the time of the Treaty of Union.
My main point however is that we did not become 'part of England'. Scotland became, and remains part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the nation state that also includes England.

I know that all the english are not the same.

I lived in England for 3 years and I actually like them although I was verbally abused a few times because I had a Scottish Accent and I constantly had to put up with the "och aye the noo", "Do you have electricity in Scotland?" and the amusing "there's a moose loose aboot this hoose" jokes.

What a crock! Seems like a handy excuse to me to cancel conference in Scotland, for if traveling there were such a sensitive issue to this company, you would think it would have been a matter of discussion beforehand.

There's many an intense classic rivalry here in the States, such as Michigan vs Ohio State, and I will always cheer for any opponent to Ohio State, but that would not keep me from any conference in Ohio, even if it were on their campus. Business is business.

If you all can't handle hearing Mr. McConnell's personal opinions, then you'd best advise him to answer any question other than government business with a strict "No Comment."

Which King of Scotland was it that was King of England then, James VI and I, oh yes we had to have a Scottish king because all the 'nobles' descended from the French decided it, what choice did us poor overrun, impoverished enslaved anglo-saxon English have? Oh poor us and who can we blame about 500 years later? Come to think of it wasn't Robert the Bruce of Norman ancestry, now where did I hear that? Lastly I would really like to know how many Scots made lots of money out of what now is the 'English' empire apparently.

I think, Frazer that that is what is called teasing and not hate. To the people who think that the English universally hate the Scots - wrong I'm afraid. Or Paul are you into hundreds of years of history again? My English ancestors didn't get anything from the clearances they were working their guts out to stay alive. Anyway 'nuff said and Frazer I hope Scotland get into the next world cup - and I'm not being arrogant, truely, I think it would be a good thing but please can England qualify to so we don't have to be told in song that we can't win it because we didn't qualify!!!!

Frazer wrote

"I lived in England for 3 years and I actually like them although I was verbally abused a few times because I had a Scottish Accent and I constantly had to put up with the "och aye the noo", "Do you have electricity in Scotland?" and the amusing "there's a moose loose aboot this hoose" jokes"

But when the English abuse other nationalities it's just harmless banter. The German's are currently rolling about as the jolly English fans re-enact the Second World War from 60 years ago with there amusing ditties about shooting down German aircraft and there Dambuster theme and there inflatable Spitfires.

Don't confuse jolly English banter with the hatred and racism of Scots who choose to support a team other than England.

I hear the company which chose not have its Conference in Scotland is going to have its conference in a country where the English are truly loved and respected.

It'll be in England, then.

Scotland is a bit chippy. And as a Scot travelling throughout Scotland get depressed with the ""we hate the English" type grafitti you see around.
Having said that England doesn't do much to inform and disabuse the rest of the world of the idea that 1. Scotland is a region of England 2. England and Britain are the same thing.
Living in Italy I read recently of the recent find of a piano on top of "the highest mountain in England". Don't be surprised I have seen quality press talking of oil in the North of England, the Charlotte Dundas sailing out of the English port of Glasgow,while Sir Walter Scott was recently celebrated as one of Englands's greatest poets and writers.
The list is endless, but the real danger is if we as Scots allow Britain to become synonymous with England it undermines the very foundations of our real identity. We should be worrying less whether the parliament uses Cludgie or supermarkets use Gaelic(which hardly anyone speaks) and more about terms like "anglo" used to describe Britain or why England uses the British national anthem and flag to represent itself at home and abroad, thus reinforcing the idea that they are one and the same.
I am all for the English using their St George flag and playing their anthem at events representing England. What I find offensive is England hijacking the Union flag and British Anthem to use and play at their football matches which truly undermines our collective British identity.
The next time a visitor calls you English don't get your knickers in a fankle as the Oxford dictionary says that England/English are loose terms for Britain/British.
Could it be that from our collective dwam we fail to see what everyone else understands-namely that we are really English in denial...just to be to be humoured?

Go Kathy!

Note to Monty -- this site is part of the WORLD Wide Web....

A wise man once told me that if I did not want interferance in my life not to ask for his help.

Why all the fuss, it's only a game.
If you should see a good game enjoy it. whoever wins.
But if you really want to see a good game go watch a village team anywhere, and the bonus is it will not cost you anything.

One hopes doesnt one. Numbers do not mean anything, the fact that anyone influences their decision based on a mans opinion over football is ridiculous.

oh and another thing i will never close ranks with the English .... you can take my word on that

So in return do I say what are the Scots doing just teasing or is it worse?

Mel Moller you are from america and have no place commenting on how other countries should behave.

Note to Monty -- this site is part of the WORLD Wide Web....

Not so sure i agree with angela anymore :)

I'm not a big fan of Jack McConnell but if he chooses to support sides with Scottish-based players like Trinidad and Tobago, fair play to him. I can't think of any reason why he shouldn't support young footballers who earn their wages in this country. Well done, Jack, I say - and if small-minded, big-mouthed English companies choose to take their custom elsewhere, it's their loss.

A lot of fuss about nothing. Everyone is entitled to support whomsoever they choose. I love Scotland and had Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales gone through instead of England I would have flown the flag for them willingly. I have enjoyed watching the RoI team in the past too.

Maybe it's because

(a) I am no supporter of fanatical nationalism and
(b) I am simply a good sportsman.

Calm down everybody and get worked up about something that matters. Of course there are a small minority who allow genuine bigotry to spill over into abusive behaviour but for the vast majority, it's a bit of banter. It is to be expected - the English press get completely carried away and go completely over the top about England's participation, however, the same press will go completely over the top again, if and more likely when England fail. There is of course a deliberate insensitivity towards the rest of the UK about all of this and it's really no better or worse than the slightly childish anti-English sentiment that springs up as a kind of defense against this onslaught of jingoism. But talk of anger, offence, hatred - cancelling a conference in Scotland because the first minister said he wouldn't support England, come on now, grow up! If you are going to get steamed up or offended about something, there really are more important issues that are far more worthy of your attention.

Hey Monty...ease up on the Americans, will ya? What, we're not allowed to have an opinion?

At first glance, I thought (like so many others) that this was a lot of nonesense about "game." But it's not.

Now, I've loved Britain since I was a child; and my heritage is spread throughout Europe. But in College, I fell completely and totally 100% in Love with Scotland and have not been able to chuck my obsession since. I love the accents, I love the history (I actually took a class solely on Scotland), I love the scenery, I love everything!....Even though I've never actually been there. YET.

That the lingering resentment between the two nations can be brought to the surface so quickly does not surprise me. And honestly, it happens everywhere; rivalry is rampant. Just this past Superbowl saw my family and my cousins arguing fiercely over the outcome...because we live in Pittsburgh and they in Seattle. (And personally, not being much of a sports buff myself, I think both games are equally boring...)

I can kinda see both sides of this issue, and truthfully, it'll probably die down again after a while.

But for any "english" to call it an "inferiority complex" is just plain rude.

As my brother and I frequently say: FREE SCOTLAND!

Cheers!

I'm a Scot living in France. I will not be supporting England or made to feel guilty. I'll support France thank you if that's alright with all the English???? If the English firm is so worried about anti-English feeling they should have said so publicly (and got loads of worse publicity). This is why we don't support the English. What a load of garbage over a game. We'll support who we want thanks.

I cannot understand what all the fuss is about. Having spent 12 years in Scotland (a beautiful country) it was more than obvious the Scots in general have no love for the English, fair enough.

I prefer that they support our opponents because I certainly don't want their support - in any way whatsoever.

Fifty million English can do without the support of 5 million Scots thank you ! So you sing your calypso's for who you like - I, and millions like me couldn't care less.

i will travel the world kirsty when i get a Scottish passport

i was dragged to spain when i was 17 by my parents ... i tried to hire a motorbike and when the owner say the british passport .... he made the biggest mistake in his life calling me English .... he was lucky my big cousin was with me because he stopped me from throttling him ... the first and last time i used a UK passport ... that was 20 years ago

Jessica, the right term you are looking for is Saor Alba = Free Scotland

Saor Alba is pronounced Saor Ala - Pa

nah i was just curious why their was a sudden influx of Americans and Canadians

one of my brother in laws is cornish and has stayed here the past 22 years i get on fine with him, he knows my views on the union of britian i do not hate the English .... i am a Scottish patriot i refuse to own a british passport and i will also refuse to hold a british id card if they are ever issued

in genral i do not trust their goverments , a large portion of Scotland is now ceeded to England after they stole it from us after they kidnapped one of our kings for a ransom of gold , they returned our king after we promised to pay the ransom ... and they would keep Berwick till we paid them .... low and behold they refused to return Berwick to its rightful owners and that in turn led to constant battles and invasions by both sides

if i come over bitter ... it is because i and my countrymen have had to endure a bombardment from the English based media demanding us to support a foriegn country and calling us racists etc for refusing to do so

I do not hate the english, but i do not trust *their* goverments.
phew! monty...
i reckon you probably get on well with your brother in law because he chooses not to take personally your views and is not the arrogant english well referred to here. i think you should get a passport and travel about the world a bit more. you need to open your mind!

Mel Moller away and play with a moving Bus ... Scotland is the only countryin europe where jews have never been persecuted

you bore me

I have tried to read most of the comments and there seems to be good and bad on both sides. I work offshore with a large mix of Scottish and English. Whenever England had a big game on we used to all throw a fiver in and bet on England to win. The reasoning behind this was simple - if England won we all made a few quid but if they lost -well it was only a fiver!! (worth it in some ways to see England get beaten).
Some of you guys really need to lighten up- most of this is only banter. I would never condone bullying of children but there is always banter ( and so there should be) None of the English that I work with are surprised that the majority of us Scots (who they call porridge munchers / skirt wearing / sweaty socks etc) don't support England and they do not really care. - most of the blame for this mountain out of a molehill is because of the media (although references to WWII and the like should be stopped by a court action- I think it is very wrong).
I have lots of English friends but I just cannot simply cannot bring myself to support England any more than I could bring myself to support say France or USA. The reason for this is I am Scottish and I cannot change my allegiance at the drop of a hat.
Long live the banter and may the best team win.

monty, you need to get a sense of perspective. people everywhere are either good or bad, nationality means nothing. don't stay at home and not see the world out of nationalism. nobody suffers but you.if someone mistakenly calls you english, educate him like a civilised scot!

Jack McConnels remarks are extremely ill conceived.It is all very well for him to dismiss them as "this is football" etc. The fact is he is the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament and as such, his must recognise the importance of engaging his brain prior to expressing his anti English sentiments.

To Walter

So you reckon McConnell should have lied when asked who he supports.

Well it worked for Gordon Brown I suppose.

I'm in Australia.I feel quite sad to read these 'racist' comments. Remember guys, its just sport. Yay the socceroos. 3-1 against Japan.

Would you have preferred Mr McConnels to declare his support for England and then roast him when the ever present Media photogs catch him rooting for the English opponents? You would probably label him dishonest. His remarks are straightforward, a trait which I admire in the few Scots that I know. Are we condemning the man for being honest? Sport is passion. The World Cup moreso. If Mr Mc Connel suggests the people of Scotland individually or collectively prefer to support England's opponents there must be a lesson there for the English. I'd like to believe that in addition to soccer there are many areas where the English do not enjoy the support of the Scottish. In Trinidad and Tobago we call that INDEPENDANCE. Support goes way beyond soccer.

As an Englishman in Scotland, I have to agree that I feel more vulnerable at the current time and find Jack McConnell's statements worrying.

There have been some great postings here which lead me to believe the Anglo-Scottish relationship is alive and well. There is much more mutual respect and friendship between these nations than you might think and I dare say the two Nations would admit to.

It is absurd to expect Scots to support the England team as a call of duty; that is a personal matter. Many Scots will support England because that is their way and many would never do so because that is their way too. This is true between city teams and we make little of it. Likewise we make nothing of Scots or English citizens who support the country from whence their family once came.

It is even more absurd, to withdraw business patronage from Scotland because the First Minister expressed a view quite common in the Nation he leads. A business relationship requires mutual respect and a long term view. Throwing the toys out of the pram because of a political expedient reflects badly on the company concerned and its long term commitment to Scotland.

That said, the First Minister might have chosen his words more carefully. Wrapping himself in the English flag would have been political suicide; as it would have been for Scots born Prime Minister Blair of honest Govan stock to support Trinidad & Tobago. But the First Minister ought to have realised that whilst playing to the gallery he was shunning the stalls. Getting cornered into the "anyone but England" position was unfortunate. He would have been better advised to leave the matter to the personal discretion of the Scottish people. That way I think both Nations would have been winners.

Mel

The church of scotland is not Scotland, it is not a voted in power and it does not reflect all Scots beliefs systems, by saying as much you are displaying your ignorance and narrow mindedness. You say you cant "imagine any thoughtful and intelligent person would choose Scotland as a tourist destination" - try opening your mind even a tiny little bit and it might do wonders for you and your imagination.
We are talking about football or soccer, a game, a bit of enjoyment, a release from all the other political, religious and other awful happenings that go on in the world. Lets keep the political and religious claptrap out of it.

yeh and then yorkshire declares independence and then Bingley.

If the English would like Scots to support them can I suggest they stop chanting: "Are you Scotland in disguise" to supporters of teams they are beating.

I moved to Canada over 40 years ago and I, like many other Scots I know here are cheering for England in the world cup.
I think the First Minister made a mistake voicing his personal opinion on who he is supporting in the world cup, and certainly
by saying he would not support England.
It's hard to imagine a First Minister being so SMALL MINDED. George L. Watt

Lucifer tells it as it is.

To get the support of the Scots, the English and their hooligan supporters need to earn it.

Guy.. Our Beloved Furher, i mean Prime Minister, Tony Blair was born in Edinburgh

pity, the debate! has dried up, maybe all the scotsman readers have had a hard day and want to go to bed.
Such a crap newspaper, oh well,
The herald is much better!

I am Scottish but do find that quite amusing - embarrassing and a bit below the belt but also amusing. At least we can laugh at our shortcomings - doesnt mean we have to take out insurance if we lose due to the emotional trauma it might cause us (as I have read one english fan has done for this world cup!)

You are right its not the sort of thing that will make Scots support the English and it also shows that they couldnt care less whether we support them or not. When Scotland play any sport I dont care who supports us just so long as we win. I know for a fact that many English dont support Scotland when they are playing other teams so what the problem is - who knows??

England could not have its own Parliament because it does not have its own legal system. It shares a legal system with Wales. So you could have an AngloWelsh Parliament. In Cardiff perhaps ?

Unlike Scotland, neither England nor Wales are legal entities. That is why the government has suggested regional assemblies for England.

To T T from Brussels

The Scotsman tries to put an ANTI-Scottish slant on everything it reports.

anyways where did all these Sassenachs, Canadians and yanks appear from ??

Diane wrote:

"I don't know anyone who voted for Scotland to have a parliament. In England, we never had a choice. We were offered regional assemblies not an English parliament. Parliament at Westminster decided it all and we know which nation runs it at the moment!"

The vast English majority at Westminster voted to offer devolution to Scotland. The vast majority that you and your fellow English voted for.

AS for which nation runs Westminster at the moment there are 59 Scottish MPs and over 500 English MPs. We certainly do know who runs it.

There's a distinct 'victim' culture about the English just now. And the Scots get the blame.

"What you seem to be saying here is that you hated us all the time"

Do I? Until the recent anti-Scottish campaign from the English I would say that Scots were far less 'anti-English' than they had been during Thatcher's rule of the 80s.

As an Englishman living in Scotland I have never experienced any anti-Englishness. But then I don't bum about how great the English are and how horrible the Scots are.

I tell you, it gives you a great insight when you observe England from afar - it's not all the land of sweet reasonableness that you maybe think it is when you live in England.

Well said Paul.

The English do have a victim culture and I think it is a result of deep seated conflicts WITHIN England. As St George's day approaches sections of the English media bleat about how the English are not 'allowed' to celebrate their identity.

Who stops them ?

They imagine they are prevented from doing so because of the Scots, Irish, Welsh, black people, muslims etc.

It is inconceivable that a group which accounts for 85% of the island's population could be dominated by the minorities.

The problem is internal to England. Their own internal divisions and lack of a sense of unity is the source of their anguish.

ok paul I give in we are horrible don't understand and have done everything wrong. Do you feel better now? O sorry that was English arrogance wasn't it but then what can you expect?

Diane,

If you are aware that Scotland has its own legal system then presumably you are one of the few English people that does not resent the establishmen of its own Parliament.

Prior to the inauguration of the Scottish Parliament, Scotland was the only country in the world with its own legal system but lacking a domestically accountable Parliament.

I suggest you ask your friends in England how many of them were aware of that.

These flags are jingoism at its worst. Having said that, I migh add the chief constable of the North Wales Police has asked the locals not to display them in case it upsets people here. As far as I can see almost nobody gives a hoot either way. But then if all 264 people who did give a hoot were to rant about it in public, maybe that would change. Lets have the next world cup in Darfur or Baghdad or somewhere equally exciting.

All Scots do not hate the English, just as not all English hate the Scots. I lived in England for many years and did receive some fairly frequent abuse from some english people because i am scottish - and frankly some of it was downright racist abuse but it is just laughed off as "banter". If its an English person commenting on Scots its just a joke or banter but if its a Scot doing to it an english person then its termed as abuse and hatred all built up from hundreds of years. It is just football, a game thats supposed to be a past time, a sport, a hobby a thing to be enjoyed, but some people are trying to turn it into more than that for their own political gains or to create their own little media circus to increase sales or because they are just ignorant and have nothing better to fill their tiny little minds with.

I come to Scotland regularly and have noticed just how openly offensive the Scots have become. It’s not just harmless rivalry anymore, it is outright aggression against the English. The refusal to serve or even acknowledge in bars and shops is now commonplace. Even more sinister is the systematic action now being taken against landowners in order to re-claim ‘your’ land. Scotland is becoming the Zimbabwe of Europe and your First Minister is showing the same signs of delusion as Mr. Mugabe.

I find myself fascinated by this debate, despite not being a sociologist (I'm a geographer and a writer). Has no one else noticed that with the increased push toward "globalization" there is also a corresponding rise in "nationalism" around the world? That it all can be reduced and symbolized in a football game and a debate as to whether Scots should or should not support England in World Cup 2006 because the two nations happen to share the same island land mass along with Wales, is beyond amazing.

Again reiterating the point. The English people disgrace themselves in their conduct abroad, particularly when it comes to football. Stop whining about nobody liking you, you deserve all you get.

Let's be honest here this whole thing has nothing to do with football and everything to do with politics. There is an underlying resentment in many quarters in Scotland about being dominated by an English Political agenda. Ever since Scotland was incorporated into the English Empire in 1707 this was bound to be the case. There is also in England an underlying resentment about the Scots being over represented in Westminster and having undue influence over English society while not considering themselves British. I think we are currently in a process of shifting tectonic plates and both the Scots and the English should decide to govern their own affairs exclusively. The next conservative government in Westminster will probably make Scotland fiscally independant anyway which is a good idea. Both peoples would then be less chippy about each other and more secure in themselves. The so called BBC desparately needs to be split up into the SBC and the E&WBC. That way we can have a balanced approach to broadcasting that suits both nations. The world is a hugely different place to 1707 and neither the English nor the Scots particularly need or want to be in bed with other politically speaking. I hope both nations will always stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of these islands and of our peoples freedom while at the same time respecting each others sovereignty and independence. Let's leave the politics out of football, the world cup is a carnival and a celebration of the beautiful game and should bring peoples together. Let's enjoy the spectacle while it lasts and may the best team win.

This is typical Parochial "Scotsman". Who really cares and frankly why should Jack McConnel support England ? Would Belgians support France ? Would Holland support Germany ? No.

If this is true , should we really worry that our economy is going to take a noise dive as some company refuses to hold a conference based on this? It means nothing and is not worth debating. Give us some real news.

By the way folks the English media is swamped by Scots, the news, sport, weather, the lot. As is Parliament of course.

Perhaps the English need to ‘walk a mile in our shoes’. To any English people out there please imagine for a moment that Germany (to whom the English media and people are constantly overtly racist incidentally) controlled your media and were telling you that you should be supporting them. And every time you turned on the TV you were reminded of your rivals greatest success and listen to condescending reports on your team. I don’t hate the English but to me they are just another country in Europe and I don’t feel closer to them than I do to France or Germany or any other country. I certainly won’t be bullied into supporting them. When I see the majority of English people supporting France or Germany then I will start supporting England, after all we are all part of the EU aren’t we?

As for the company involved, I think it is very cowardly for this report to have been released without including their name, if I knew who there were I would make sure I don’t give them any of my business either. It is they who are being small minded.

Diane, Maidstone, I couldn't agree with you more. EVERYBODY I have spoken to here says that if Scotland was in the Word Cup, then they, as English, would be supporting Scotland. They cannot understand this attitude of some Scots who are so against the England team. Makes me feel a wee bit ashamed to be a Scot sometimes.

So the First Minister comes under fire for expressing an honest opinion. Amazing !
And England have only themselves to blame for drawing contempt. Just one example is Ian Wright's observation that it's ok to cheat for penalty kicks.
How about the Tourism chief naming the company that cancelled the Scottish based conference ?
Would they have anything to lose from their extreme reaction ?

What a lot of fuss about a ball being kicked around a field!!!....i expect that the media has to have something to report!!!

As far as I'm concerned small minded is the idea to cancel investments or whatever because of football related comments.
Why should McConnel support England anyway? Geographical solidarity??? What, should I support Brazil in the event that Argentina is eliminated, thats ridiculous. And it's not that I'm "Anti-Brazilian", it's just that in any competition one tends support the underdog.

Alan, what football team (club) do you support?

If you are Man United for example, I bet you would not support Liverpool in the Champions league final now would you?

I mentioned earlier that I'm British first and foremost. I still stand by this.

However, it doesn't do anybody any good when they are constantly vilified and blamed for what has happened over the past 300 years and more. Everybody seems to be able to judge what happened in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries with 21st century eyes and values!!! Ever since 1603, everthing bad done in the name of the United Kingdom has been attributed to England and everything good has been attributed to the UK or to the constituent parts of the UK (except England)!!!

In International eyes, the English were and still are, to a certain extent, the 'Baddies'. Especially when historic fact is forgotten for the sake of Box Office Dollars.

Perhaps if all the vilification directed at the English were directed at Scots for 300 years would make you reconsider???

Why do you think that to the Scots, they are Scottish first, likewise for the Welsh and the Irish, but to a lot of English people, they are British first???

Small minded Scots,When Scotland are playing,(other than against England) I automatically Support the Scottish team,After all we are one Nation so what is the matter with the Scottish people?One great big childish chip on their shoulder.

I think the English press have subjected the English football team and their Manager to more derogatory comments, venom, and ridicule than the whole Scottish nation for the last 300 years.

In many cases I think these comments have caused the England team to under perform.

Even, since the Paraguay game the attacks on Sven and the players have increased. England does not need the good wishes of the Scots. These good wishes would be totally wasted amongst the torrents of angst coming from within the English press core.

I like the quote, by some Dutchman:

“The English are an arrogant race, and think themselves superior to all others. The Scots are also an arrogant race, and think themselves superior only to the English”.

This is typical Parochial "Scotsman". Who really cares and frankly why should Jack McConnel support England ? Would Belgians support France ? Would Holland support Germany ? No.

If this is true , should we really worry that our economy is going to take a noise dive as some company refuses to hold a conference based on this? It means nothing and is not worth debating. Give us some real news.

The fact a company bases their actions over football support is ridiculous, Jack McConnell has as much right as I do NOT to Support England in their WW2 reinactment. Will all you english people open your eyes to the main cause of this debate..

In France 98 when Scotland & England both qualified, Tony Blair was interviewed about who he would support - he replied England. Thats fair enough, he is English but there was no Scottish Parliament then or anything so it just appeared as if my Prime Minister was actually not supporting my country. I found that far worse than what Jack said.

This is all going a bit far and doesn't have a lot to do with football. Personally if Scotland aren't in a tournament (which is most of the time) I like to see England do well. When they go out I like to see France do well. Nothing to dol with old alliances, I just admire their attitude to sport and playing it with flair, whether it be football or rugby. The only thing about England winning the world cup would be the insufferable press and John Motsam, oh my god, he would need a change of underpants. Luckily that's not going to happen. Apart from that you've all got the right to support who you want without critiscism from others.

Who cares what the English think and if a few companies cancel events in Scotland? Why should we walk on eggshells around our "biggest customer and neighbour"?
The Irish have upset the English for hundreds of years and don't seem to have suffered too much.

We should be honest and join the rest of the world in willing the arrogant English a timely demise to bring there gas to an overdue peep!

sarah, your comments to mel are dead right. but it is clear that we can't keep the political out of this issue. Sport should be just a game and a bit of fun, but when divisions already exist, it just emphasises them and causes people to take it too far, on both sides. People keep bleating, it is just a game etc, but we have nearly 300 responses here, so clearly there is lttle we can do to keep politics out of it.

Norman writes "The English do have a victim culture and I think it is a result of deep seated conflicts WITHIN England. As St George's day approaches sections of the English media bleat about how the English are not 'allowed' to celebrate their identity.

Who stops them ?

They imagine they are prevented from doing so because of the Scots, Irish, Welsh, black people, muslims etc."

----

My problem with St George's day is that if the Scots/welsh/blacks/muslims allowed the ENglish to celebrate it, what exactly would they do?

There's only so much mileage to be had in Morris dancing, and 'getting drunk' would be like every weekend in an English town

It really ill behoves Americans like Mel to lecture Scots, or any other nationality for that matter, on morality terrorism and barbarity.

My, my, 250 comments about football, well I never........
to my impartial mind, as a martian, what is all this fuss about, because one country does not support another, how strange!!!!!!!!
why should they, as I see it Britian does not exist really anymore, Britian is not competing in the world cup. It never will.
The most populated parts of England are closer to France, why do they not protest that France does not support them!!!!!!!!!!
Scotland is closer to the main populated parts of France, why do the Scots not support France!!!!!!!
Most of the Highlands have more in connection
with Scandinavia, why do they not support them!!!!!!!!
Why do English people who CHOSE to live in Scotland are so sensitive about being English.
When in Rome !!!!!!
that is obviously not good enough.
As far as a martian can see it, many english who live in scotland, don't want to be seen as desering their country, so they wrap themselves up in the union jack, and all is well.
If they hate us so much, why do they not go somewhere else? I'll tell you why, Scotland is a better place to live than england, hands down. Sadly from many english peoiple I have spoken to they come here to get away from the ethnic minorities in the england. Who is the bigot and nationalistic scum now?

kirsty, you are right this all started because of a politicians comments!
It isnt about the game as such, it is, as you say, about the divisions that already exist and the football seems to be an almost insignificant part of it now.

dear martian, you seem to be circling the earth very near scotland. Prentending to be objective and without irony you say the english in scotland are sensetive, and then effectively say (clearly as a scottish martian) english people are racist and that if they don't like scottish bigotry they should just go home. deary me.

Sarah,
You are wrong, all this started because of an anti scottish paper called the scotsman ( how strange!!).
This paper is anti scottish , anti devolution and always slagging off this country. It could explain the readers here.
It was this paper and companies that stated that if scotland cose devolution they would leave. Not happened yet. Their next statement will be that if scotland becomes independent then they will leave. Lets hope so!
this country can do without this crap journalism.

Kirsty,
Please go back to school and learn, especially comprehension!
If the english who live here don't like it, then what would you suggest?

Mel Moller. Don't believe everything you watch on the Fox network/Whitehouse TV you cretin.

Anyway, since when does anyone support their nearest rivals. I bet Spurs fans were jumping for joy when Arsenal lost in the Champions League final earlier this year and you would have been hard pushed to find many Man Utd fans supporting Liverpool the year before that and remember this is rivalry displayed by people form England against other English teams. And yes the same occurs in Scotland.

England have been rivals with Scotland for years..along with Wales, Ireland, Australia and too many more to mention. I'm sure England enjoys a similar level of support in these countries too.

Rivalry is a natural part of sporting events. Get over it. By the time August comes around this will all be forgotten about...only to be resurrected again with boring regularity when Euro 2008 starts up. See you then.

When its not your team that are playing I think in many of us there is an inherent nature for us to support the underdogs - (or is that just in Scottish nature seeing as unfortunately its usually us that are the underdogs?!?). The thrill of seeing the team win that is meant to lose is great - being a Scotland fan in football and rugby Ive experienced it. Maybe thats a thing the English dont understand - how often are they defined as the underdogs? So they dont know how it feels to win when you are supposed to lose - we are just supporting those like us when not supporting england, just trying to recreate the thrill! Just another perspective!!

My my hasnt this grown. Is it still about the World Cup or is it purely about the politics? give it a rest guys.

I can see this appearing in the next issue, poor Rankin what have you inflicted on the world. If i ever meet you I will slap you. Unless your supporting Trinidad & Tobago :P

( i can forsee the anger so leave it.. it was a joke, you know haha... sheesh )

to martian: I suggest that Scots who call the english racist, should perchance, just a suggestion, mind, not practice racism here. The scots don't like to call anti-englishness racism. It makes them feel uncomfortable to face that particular truth. A couple of scots have confidently suggested to me that racism does not exist in scotland. quite funny really to have such a wacking great blind spot. Martian you are a bigot.

Kirsty,
as you leader, and by birth a scot (sorry, had to choke there!), I am very saddened by your comment. I, as all other britons, beleive that scottish peasants, sorry people are fine and upstanding subjects. Your misinterpetation is totally understandable, but we have to try to persuade them that we are a family, together and united. These little misunderstanings are most unfortunate. They really do like us (sorry, the english) we won the war together remember (ok we left the scottish regiments to perish at dunkirk, but that is all water under the brige now ;-) )
Lets all celebrate Gordon Brown's, new day - britian day - I really can't wait (to go to the toilet and puke)

Kirsty,
I would really like to know what planet you come from, please let me know, so that I never visit it.
Truth - english people come her to get away from 'ethnic minorities'. Simple, you cannot deny it- who is the bigot??

There is racism and bigotry in both scotland and england. The worst people are those that say there isnt any of it in their country. Our underlying culture and belief system in both scotland and england is the same, we both are part of what makes Britain good and bad - along with Wales and N.Ireland. I am thoroughly mortified when I hear about the anti-whoever comments made to people by Scots, as a Scot it makes me ashamed and embarrassed - we are supposed to be better than that, supposed to be renowned throughout the world for being friendly and welcoming. There is alot of history there but just because someone does it to us doesnt make it alright for us to be just as childish - 2 wrongs dont make a right!

Close the border, give England its own parliament, like Scotland and Wales and lets have some peace. Although we may have to fight over where the border is as apparently England has some of Scotland because a medieval king was ransomed. No chance of peace really is there with memories that long?

well the scottish are world champions ok so it is of world cup elephant polo, but hey a world cup is a world cup i`ve included the link just incase anyone wishes to dispute this
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4073353.stm

Diana

I'm not referring solely to football supporters. I'm referrring to people in responsible positions such as Max Hastings and Ken Livingstone who go out of their way to display their hatred of the Scots - after all Hastings got a fine round of applause from the Question Time audience when he basically described Scots as spongers.

I ask you again do you think the hatred and bile comes from one side only - as you suggest in message 182?

To Diana,

It was a wee bit more than that hen. read your history books and find out why I'm typing this in English and not my own language.

just interested how the English/Yanks/Canadians got hold of this argument .... it wouyldn't happen to be some crybaby Sassenach greeting about them nasty jocks and left a link to this discussion on a messageboard with international posters ??

Diana,
I don't agree with anyone who hates another because of were they come from, whether they are Scottish or English or whatever. Yes, some Scottish people take it too far and some English people take it too far but you seem to suggest that it is only a Scottish problem.
That was my point.

Hi Monty, just a guess but the Scotsman is a superb new source and most of us Yanks/Canucks/Sassenachs read it online the same as you do.

Come on, England's fans are awfull, and esthetically their football is nothing to write home about.
If they hadn't been outrageously favoured by localist referees they wouldn't have won the WC in 1966. So, you have a side that has nothing endearing about it, so why support it???

get a grip. The vast majority if england fans are just at home on the settee watching tv - normal people. People who then support Scotland, Wales and N. or Rep. Ireland without thinking about politics or history or anything other than, these other nations/countries are part of the UK or nearby. Those English freaks that rampage around the world are a national embarassment, but they no more sum up all england's fans than Monty's xenaphobic posts sum up the Scottish attitude. Nobody should be telling anyone who to support, but if you are Scottish with an english colleague why not be big about it and cut the offensive remarks about everything english, and just talk about the football. most english people are not arrogant t*ats but just as critical of english bigotry and arrogance as you are.

Monty,
FYI, since you're concerned: I suscribe to the Scotsman.com. At the bottom of the article about the nameless company's conference cancellation due to Mr. Jack McConnell's comment that he would be supporting teams other than England during the World Cup (since as he phrased, it it's about football and not politics) there is a place to available to post comments, the same as you are able to do.

Is this a sibling rivalry thing? It's okay for Scots and English to squabble amongst themselves, but they close ranks if someone from outside the family joins in or makes an observation? Curious phenomenon...but then again, maybe not.

Angela wrote:

"Nobody should be telling anyone who to support"

So you would agree that the firm which is at the centre of this thread is behaving in a petty manner which brings discredit upon them.

I kinda agree with Angela.
But please don't think that all Scots make offensive remarks, or that no English people make them to Scots.
I don't know anyone who would have a go at 'everything English' though i don't deny that a few of these people exist.
For example lots of scots who don't support the English national team do have an English club side. I agree with your general sentiment though

Hey Angela just reread your comment and realise you are saying exactly the same as me but from the other side of the fence.
Now i have to go home to watch Italy vs Ghana!
I'm supporting Ghana but it has no significance...

no. I don't think it is petty. They are not saying you must support england, they are saying do we really want to be hanging about with a load of people (and paying them) if they think 'anyone but england' which is totally different. why pay tp be in that atmosphere - it is a downer. Plus there is a celebration of the 'anyone but england' attitude which is pretty distasteful. that is why Jack said it. he knew that he was reflecting (on the whole, not everyone, but on the whole!) what the nation thinks. he knew he was speaking for most of you. That is bourne out by almost all of these posts. the general reaction is how dare they tell us who to support. fair enough, but it is deliberately missing the point. what annoys the company is that anti-englishness is so widely celebrated and enjoyed at every level of scots society, hence Jack feeling not remotely worried about making this potentially controversial statement.

Beware of history. Take the movie 'Braveheart' for instance, full of historical mistakes. Good film but not the truth, the whole truth etc.

Supporting England's opponents is a national embarrassment. It's time we tackled the root cause of it rather than suppressing it for fear of scaring away some tourists. Are we really such a weak nation with a huge chip on the shoulder that we have to define ourselves by hatred of the English? Or the England football team or English media puff? We need to rise now and be a nation again, ditch the rest of the Anglophobic Flower of Scotland, and concentrate on taking Scotland forward positively rather than carping about English getting excited (how dare they!) about their team's chances in the World Cup.

Delilah. I have read history books but what happened hundreds of years ago is no fault of English people here and now, signs are going up in cornish in Cornwall and welsh is now an established language in Wales and funded probably by parliament and that is a good thing and if you want to speak your own language that's fine also.

The hypocricy of this is staggering. Forget being English in Scotland, how about being German in England. The English media are as usual stirring it up. References to the WW's and riducule abound. This must make it very unpleasant for any German living or working down south.

Its not just you Scots who support England's opponents.

I've just had a beer with the President of the Sydney branch of the 'Paraguay, T&T, and Swedish Supporers Association."

The fact that we are both originally from sunny Leith should be seen as irrelevant though.......

C'mon the Socceroos!!

its not that we do not like the English thats nonsense!! and of course we need them Jack McConnel does need to be a bit more diplomatic with words!!!
Scots are well known thoughout the world for being great mixers and having fun.
I think its the fact we are more independant of our country
Scots are not obliged to back England and feel as close to other countries as they do of England

I think that people tend to forget that football is often about rivalry. England have been our traditional rivals for many years in sport, and it is ridiculous to suggest that Scots should support our rivals.

Can you imagine Rangers supporters cheering on Celtic or vice versa? Or even Arsenal fans switching their support to Spurs when their own team gets knocked out a competition?

To all the over-hyped English media, get a grip and get real.

Forza Italia!

I'm English but have lived in Scotland for almost 12 years. I'm involved with Scottish football at grassroots level and give a lot of my spare time to it. Yet when I choose to support England who are my national side, I get abuse for it. I was driving my car after the Paraguay game on Saturday and had an England flag on it. I stopped to let another motorist through...trying to be a courteous driver, and instead of a wave or a thumbs up I got a blast on the horn, an obscene gesture and a mouthful of verbal abuse. I've never adopted the small minded mentality of supporting anyone Scotland are playing, but after some of the things I've experienced over the last week I'm really tempted.

I think this issue is getting out of hand, and Scottish newspapers are adding fuel to the fire by keeping the story in the press. I bet the English company who cancelled the conference are delighted that it's made headline news. Time to back off Mr. McConnell.

Ridiculous, I am sick of this every time England get on in a competition we are coersed and blackmailed to support them. Why should we. Where is our human right to support whom ever we wish.
The 'British' media have a lot to answer for, it is them who push the issue and cause a lot of the bad fealing, on both sides.
If we had our own programmes, our own media there would not be this problem. If England do well, that is great for them, but do not expect support from Scotland, when the media go on and on about it.
Is it not rediculous that I can wear my Brazil top with no comment, unless there is a competition on and England are competeing also, then I am anti-English, bitter and twisted. What rubbish.

It is also annoying that we are getting comments such as the one from Question Time last week, where an English man on the panel accused Scotland of bias and went on to state that the English subsidised the Scots. I guess he has never heard of oil revenues. The truth is very much the opposite.
It is exactly this that causes anti English feeling.

I wonder which is worse - to cheer on a country of your own choice in a game, or to take away business from a company who did not say who they would be supporting in that same game?

Helen makes a point, but this is also the same for my brother -in-law, who lives in England. He experiences anti scottish behavious too, he has been refused to be served in pubs and the like because of his accent, but that sort of anti scottish behaviour is never mentioned.

LETS FACE IT!!!!
England have as much chance of winning the world cup as Scotland does.

I cheered for England in 66. If I had known that I was going to hear about it every day for the rest of my life I would have cried. I will happily cheer them on and hope that they win as long as a law is passed forbidding it to be mentioned on TV after say - 10 years. England should not be such poor winners.

I've lived in England for over 20 years now and have in my time encountered anti-Scottish sentiment from various quarters, including policemen over the years.

The most recent occurence being only yesterday.

Nevertheless however, I've found the vast majority of English people treat our 'anti-English' stance in a lighthearted way (banter!) and are generally not offended.

To the conference organiser who cancelled his trip to Scotland. It's a pity Scots down South weren't aware of this company's name...I'm sure they'd have a few Scottish clients (or decision makers therein!) who would be very offended by their comments and actions on this matter.

I don't see what the fuss is about. When did football equate to economics? Clearly, non Scots do not have the Scottish mind set. And calling it 'small minded' is the condescending, the English way.

Football is a sport and should be treated that way. Everyone has a right to support who they wish WITHOUT applying pressure.. and economic presure for that matter. Now the truth comes out. . .
Football + supporting England in the world cup = Economic stability in Scotland. It's time to rewrite finance books! Scots have taken a battering for centuries and now it's down to football.

There are Scottish based players who represent other national teams. . .it is a SIN to voice support for them if they do not play for England? Well done First Minister for leading the way! Stand up Scots! Helen, you live here but do not have the Scottish mind set about Scottish-ness, which by the way is NOT small minded!!!

What a total farse. Whoever the 'company' were that cancelled the conference should have their collective heads examined. Those sort of goons should not be able to be in charge of a business!

Godwins law - never heard of it before but I have now looked it up. Its true you do learn a new thing every day.

don't worry about supporting them or not - recent form suggests they'll be out soon anyway.....

I receive your online Scotsman newspaper.I visit Scotland regularly. Sadly I have found much Anti-Englishness. Am even too "concerned" to display a union jack badge on my car or wear a Union Jack t.shirt I own. My Scottish friends warn me about this. On my way to Dundee next week. p.s.

Everyone debates whether the Scottish should support England or their opposition but has anybody considered how the Paraguayans feel? My Brazilian friends in Glasgow found support for them 2 years ago by Scots offensive. Wearing another countries national colours should be done for the love of that country not the hate of another. The World Cup is a time of national unity and celebration which the English have a right to as much as any other country. How can the Scottish consider themselves a proud nation when their moment of national unity is for the celebration of their neighbour's failure?

What small-minded, childish nonsense! All the more so coming from the First Minister.

Well done Tim!

You see many people wearing football shirts of Brazil, Argentina, Italy etc etc, without getting any abuse, but if the same people were to wear England shirts they get all sorts of abuse hurled at them! Why are England treated any differently to other countries?
Also, to those who accuse the press of going overboard, clearly you do not remember 1978, and the completely OTT celebrations at Hampden before Scotland had even set off for Argentina!! What short memories you have. I'm supporting England all the way in the World Cup - I would much rather have a British team winning than for the trophy to disappear off to the other side of the world again.

As an Expat Scot & genuine footie fan I am amazed at how out of hand this whole situauion has become. I will not be supporting England, not because I have anything against the team, but because I am fed up with all the media hype that goes along with them. I love good football and hope this competition is a celebration of that. May the best team win!!!

This isnt news, as the scotsman simply tries to put a scottish slant on just about everything they report. It's probably a rubber band company from Milton Keynes. It's certainly not Lloyds TSB or anyone that really matters.

Poor old Norman Tebbitt will be having a spat. Instead of the "Cricket test" perhaps we should introduce the fitba test. Anyone found not to be supporting a home nation should be immediately deported by the home office. That would keep them busy.

Lets face it, all this is is a very messy divorce and as soon as the separation papers are through the better. In the meantime lets not say too much that we're regret in the future!

Most English football fans couldn't give a toss about Scotland. I wouldn't support Scotland and I couldn't care less whether they support England or not. I avoid buying Scottish products, and the sooner England declares independence the better.

I'm Scottish, and growing up i never could understand why people supported anyone England was playing. I always supported England and believed it churlish to do otherwise, however aged 18 i moved to England for three years and over the course of that time i slowly and reluctantly changed my view.
While the English public did not actively support anyone Scotland played, they did almost to a man (and woman) act with such condescenscion and contempt towards the standard of football played by our national side, and even more so towards our league that i did start to resent lending them my support.
I now share a flat with an English man, and he wastes no opportunity to mock Scottish football. While all the time insulting and laughing at my national side he finds it offensive that i shoose not to support his. That is why i am supporting Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago at this world cup, i do not believe that makes me racist or small-minded, it just means i have a little pride.

I've been following the Churchill Cup of rugby going on here in Canada for the past week or so. Some English fans I met recently were supporting any team against the USA. Isn't this the same "bigoted" attitude the English are complaining about when it comes to who we Scots support? By the way, Scotland beat England in this competition and will play New Zealand in the final on Saturday.

For what it's worth, I agree with those comments about the attitude of the English to the Germans and the English hypocrisy.
However. The two countries only joined together because the Scots
a) had a king and there wasn't a French one handy for the English - and what a bunch the Stuarts were.
b) couldn't construct their own empire
Well, neither of us have an empire anymore and you can certainly have your monarch back.
It would make far more sense for both countries to now go their seperate ways,as republics, within a European context.
The fact of the mater is that Scots don't like the English and the English don't like the Scots. My father served in the Cameron Highlanders during the war, only the British Army could be so inept as to put an Englishmen in a Scots regiment. I have to tell you out of the Germans or the Scots my dad preferred the Germans.

I don't go on holiday and behave rudely none of my family and friends do either. I have even been to Scotland for a holiday! - during the last world cup actually and I understand that having 1966 rammed down your throat by an English biased media must be horrible, but that doesn't mean that I don't feel very sad about the anger pouring out from Scotland towards England, I have listened to phone ins and the hate in the Scots voices is just a terrible thing to hear. A Scottish parliament should help I hope and an English one might be a good idea also. I am in fact half Scots but born and bred in England. I am so sorry that you all think it was English peoples fault for all the trouble in these islands, I am sure that most just wanted a quiet life and to feed their families. Benny quoted Scots and Germans, all my anglo-saxon forebares probably followed Norman kings and maybe my Scots ones fought them but that was an awful long time ago.

The evidence is that you don't deal with those issues.
Lighted up Mulder

If nothing else this comment thread proves Godwin's Law.

Having lived here for 11 years i still get asked "are you english" NO I am Scottish (and proud of it) and support all things Scottish, It's a game only a game meant to be fun, Where's the fun if this is how England acts, England is like a spoiled little kid that needs to grow up and play nice

Histor, Soup Dragon's soup wells
Pity it is from somone who is anon. and not prepared to answer the question.

ok fair enough, maggie. that is depressing to know you had such a bad experience in england that you left. i am from manchester, so it is even worse. You feel the same as me, and so it must all be the same either side of the border. I would hate to think my sometime bad experience here made me anti anything, and so I am not. and of course i am still here for all the other stuff about scotland that is good. but i remain shocked by some of the unthinking things people say to me. especially at work by people who should know better (otherwise liberal and intelligent). ah me. people are stupid i suppose. Despite it all i am not a massive sports fan but would root for england, scotland, wales, ireland n or rep and any other underdog team as i was brought up to do. and that is just being sportswomanlike and not sinking to retaliation with the thickos who might have mocked you in england.

The Scots attitude about supporting any team playing England is no different from that of the vast majority of English fans who will support any team playing Man Utd or Chelsea. No Newcastle fan would ever support Sunderland and vice versa.

It is perfectly normal for football fans to support the team opposing their closest rivals. Noone ever complained that Chelsea supporters cheering on Barcelona against Arsenal were behaving badly.

But many English commentators cannot see that and conflate football with politics and history the English attitude towards the Celtic nations has always been driven by a concern about enforcing 'loyalty'.

It is not the Scots who have a chip on their shoulders. It is the English who cannot let go of history.

Diane wrote

"The English like Max Hastings are jumping on a bandwagon but that started off as a consequence of English people learning (through the media) about how much the Scots hated them."

You couldn't be more wrong.

I moved to Scotland from England over 30 years ago and the Scottish attitude towards England and the ENglish has not changed.

What has changed is the English animosity towards Scotland.

This has largely arisen because several of the democratically elected political leaders at the moment have the cheek to be Scottish rather than English. The English do not like living under what they term a Scottish Raj .Many English state that there should never be another Scot running England.

They conveniently forget that Scots are quite used to being ruled by an English majority.

They also blame the Scots for the democratic deficit which exists in England - Scotland has a Parliament, England hasn't. Yet it was the vast English majority which voted to offer a Parliament to Scotland but not to ENgland.

The English find it easy to blame the Scots for the state they have got themselves into rather than face facts that the current situation is all of their own making.

It is not a pretty sight.

hey jessica, lots of other posts have said the english have an inferiority complex, and often as not it is the scots that have said that there is an inferiority complex. I can imagine you have a lovely rosy view of scotland as many americans with scots heritage do, and why not scotland is fascinating and attractive, but in the end every nation has its faults and unattractive features. I am sure if you lived here, you would get a more realistic view... nowhere is better than anywhere else.

I don't know anyone who voted for Scotland to have a parliament. In England, we never had a choice. We were offered regional assemblies not an English parliament. Parliament at Westminster decided it all and we know which nation runs it at the moment! We don't care about being ruled by Scots, we really don't, unless like now, we see it as grossly unfair and it has made a difference as to how things are seen down here. What you seem to be saying here is that you hated us all the time but we are only just learning the other way around - and I agree!

Sorry to disappoint, but regardless of inflammatory comments, I read the Scotsman.com on a daily basis in order to view the world from another point of view than the US press. I find it useful in bringing some issues into perspective (such as the price of gasoline) as well as understanding how other nations view the USA (poufy?! - wouldn't want to be you at OSU!)

As to why this article caught my attention - well, it would be like telling me a company from Ohio canceled a meeting on Mackinac Island because the Governor of Michigan said he would cheer for teams that had players who came from Michigan instead of cheering for Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. So, I'm curious as to how you all might react to this information, and how similar your reactions might be to such a situation here.

So far, very similar. Extremists at either end, with most striving for more middle ground. Price and loyalty are exhibited, as well as respect for others. And complete astonishment at the lack of business sense on the part of the company.

As John Cleese said:
"What have the Romans ever done for us?"

Well...apart from Roads.

Well...apart from sanitation.

Well done Angela in the face of such opposition. The English like Max Hastings are jumping on a bandwagon but that started off as a consequence of English people learning (through the media) about how much the Scots hated them. This is a new thing here as before the English (poor souls!) thought the Scots liked them and that we were one nation.

I take your point but i lived in Guildford for three years, and spent a further two years in Blackpool and one in Manchester and i felt a very similar feeling to the one you describe.
I went to England wholeheartedly supporting England and came back supporting the Trinidads and Tobagos. This does not make me anti-English, in fact many of my friends are English and i live with an Englishman but being made a fool of encourages release through football.

Angela we know why - it's history! Have read it woman (my you Scots have a way with words!) Have you been down here? We know you have a different legal and educational system etc and that you think it is superior to ours. Have just read Doug's comment, thank goodness, and then Marianne's! We both need to play nice I think!

maggie, I know the english make offensive remarks to scots, please let me make that clear, but I have been here a long time as an english person, and it feels different. The english mock you in ignorance - treat you like another region of england, like a southern english person knocks a northerner, (this is unbelievably stupid and ignorant i know) the scots knock the english with the weight of hundreds of years of anger, with poll tax and the oil etc just below what they are saying. Sometimes you feel you have to defend your nation all the time and take the blame for parts of english culture that you hate yourself or just don't identify with (we don't all come from London, we are not all middle class). I love Scotland for so many things, and prefer to live here most of the time, but the anti-english stuff is hard to take sometimes.

Don't agree with me Diane! I am trying to make a serious point here! You will undermine it. The problem in england is the ignorance of scottish culture and difference (legal sytem and education! make a big difference), there is no point in crying ooh they hate us and we didn't know, find out why (read it up woman) and understand why they don't support us. It is all well documented. we would probably get on better if english people weren't so daft half the time. saying all of that of course, I still hate the anti-englishness because it is like blaming the germans for ww11. it is exactly the same. I didn't vote for the poll tax !

Harry, I have never read such a load of rubbish in all my years, you have just made that up!!!!

Deary me!

Ian, the point about the press going over the top is not anti English in any way, it is merely an observation - even many English people that I speak to find it all rather embarrassing, and yes the Scottish press went completely over the top in 1978, I remember it well - I doubt however that Scotland's participation got 24/7 wall to wall coverage south of the border! It's just a bit of a turn off really, don't you think?!

The rise of English nationalism has been pretty much sports-led. Euro 96, Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Rugby World Cup, Ashes last year and every World Cup or European Championships since have seen an emphasis placed on England and the flying of the St George's Cross flag. This is right and proper as Scots, Welsh and Irish (and every other nation in the world) celebrate sporting success by their country's men and women. England has struggled to find a natural identity and sport has allowed it some expression. (For example, the St George's Society claims dates to celebrate of The Battle of Britain, Waterloo and Trafalgar - all of them happening when England was not a sovereign nation but a part of Great Britain).

However, the expression of Englishness has been seized on by politicians and the media as a means of them being able to pursue their own agenda. Conservatives have been able to bemoan Scottish MPs in Westminster Parliament voting on UK issues (while becoming suddenly quiet on the issue of Germans and the Frence voting in the European Parliament on issues affecting them) and have now started to use the line about "England" subsidising Scotland. (Witness Max Hastings on Question Time last week).

All this is to gain votes from a disaffected English voting population and has nothing to do with the actual facts of the matter. The Conservaties have nothing to lose at the next general election in Scotland but plenty to gain in England. It's very easy to press the nationalist buttons and stir up a hornet's nest of ill-feeling.

As for the World Cup - what ever happened to "May the best team win?"

I was in a pub in North Berwick on Sat and TOLD to get out of the way of the television screen by an Englishman. Frankly their arrogance is beyond belief. Well done to Jack, can we now get on with our lives in this green and pleasant and mountainous land of ours

Why is it so difficult for people to realise that we are not obliged to support any team after our own. If English people have such a hard time understanding, perhaps they should imagine how they would feel if, every time they didn't get into a competition, France hassled them to support their team and when they decided not to, they got a torrent of abuse and accusations of racism hurled at them. This whole problem exists because of the amount of hassle we get for making our own choices. It's not anti-English, it's pro-choice. Why not just leave us alone and allow us, as grown ups, to make our own decisions. It's pathetic.

Sorry guys but the bigotry is growing in this country. I arrived in Scotland in 1970 and at first things were fine but over the last few years I have noticed an increase in the 'anti English' brigade. This is being manifested in verbal abuse and some times direct action. Where you find Scots in England you do not get slogans daubed on walls of verbal abuse of their children at schools, yet here in a country that has an anti bullying anti bigotry policy there are often public displays of both with little of no action taken.
We often hear that Scotland is a major player in the world markets well maybe that is the case but where has the money and know how come from. Even flagship companies like Stagecoach and First Bus may have their head offices in Scotland but the majority of their profits and turnover come from England.
While some may not be happy about the company’s decision not to bring its conference to Scotland how many more company’s would even look here because of the anti English feelings that are often publicly displayed and not just in sport.

All this started because of our First Minister saying that he wouldn't support England, hes a human and he has choice. I am not a fan of the man but he has said what he feels. To think this is getting all this attention at a time when people are dying in Iraq a war partly started by tony, is just ridiculous.

For England to expect Scotland to support them in anything is just bullying tactics, everyone has a choice and there is something very unhealthy to expect or even force allegance just cause we share an island and an out of date union.

Like 70% of Scots I do not regard myself as British, this isn't racism or small mindedness its national identity and love for ones country, and with the present climate in Scotland, more should be thinking Scottish rather than for a union that is well out of date. Really after reading some of the comments, its time for our countries to seperate and go their own ways, then I think relations will be a whole lot better and history can be put behind us.

Also, I may be the only Scot that hates football, I have never seen any attraction in grown men faking injuries and getting paid so much, I don't care who wins, just aslong as I don't have to watch it.

Besides the English bigotry, in Germany I saw stores with a Scottish theme "Schottenpreis" whereby things are sold at the lowest of low prices; promoting the theory that Scots are tight with their money. These arguments between Scotland and England however, are strong, and would suggest a deep divide at some level. And no, it's not all about football; it enrages something much deeper than that. I don't think the Scots are more racist than the English, or vice versa. But I do think people need to stop acting so childish about this (in terms of the World Cup and who should support who). Let people support who they want to; and may the best team win.

Hear, hear Sarah, when all's said and done the only people that win are the members of the press.
Who realy cares if the Scotts support England or not its up to the overpayed players to proove they are the best, the banter is great as long as we don't let it get out of hand.

You can say a lot of negative things about the US, I do all the time, but one thing we do have clear is that we can say what we want about sports teams -- and that includes the politicians.

At issue is the place that we live in, not race -- it isn't bigotry, it's economics. When I was a child, my father told me about the English claim on Scotland's economics and resources -- part of the reason why my family left Glasgow . . . it hasn't changed much, has it?

Surely, the best team should win, who cares it it goes "to the other side of the world again".
Is this not narrow minded Nationalism ;-)
I don't think we would celebrate it if England were knocked out, there would however be a huge sigh of relief. Only problem with that is that the coverage of the World cup would be curlailed. More repeats of Open all Hours and the like, instead of the games England would have been in.

I'm half english, half scottish. I think of myself as "british". I have lived down south most of my life, but here in Glasgow for the last year or so. I rarely.. but sometimes.. get some anti-english sentiments directed my way.

It is racism and the sooner you admit it the better. Imagine if you said you hated someone because they were black. What response would that get? This is the same thing.

When I've visited (and lived in) Scotland before, I've always found it such a friendly place, and I'm much happier here than I was down south on the whole. However this football nonsense is making me wonder if I might not be better off moving somewhere less sectarian.

It is all very well for a bit of harmless banter both ways. Nobody minds that. But when people are in fear of their safety and cannot openly support whatever team they want for fear of being attacked - and for those attacks to be "justified" by the media - that is sinister and sickening.

Stop it.

To Diana and others,
English people do bet against us, there press make completely unfounded and derogetary remarks about our national teams when we play england (refer to prematch reporting for Scotland Grand Slam title in 1990 - Will Carling a face you wouldn't get tired of slapping).

Try passing Scottish notes in england, especially Clydsedale bank notes!

The real reason was an aversion to Deep Fried M*rs Bars - I'll wager!

aw tae see you selves as others see you

Furthermore, just to clarify, we were not over in Jamaica in disguise contray to the beer belly brigade

I am a Scot who has lived in England since 1962. I have rarely encountered any anti Scots behavior that went beyond banter. However, I think the media on both sides of the border create a lot of the nonsense that is currently being highlighted.

The media here is guilty of encouraging the idea that the English are arrogant by implying that they have a right to win major soccer tournaments as they "Gave the game to the world." They also assume that it is appropriate to say England and mean Britain.

As for the idea that Scots are anti England, have any of these reporters ever been in a pub when Argentina or Germany are playing? I suggest if they had they might have discovered what being anti in a really serious way is!

My wife, brother-in-law and obviously mother and father-in-law are all English.
None of them want to see England do well because of the media. They are very open about hoping that England losses so it is not just the Scots who do not want to see England progress.
If we work on the same basis of regarding a few Scots taking it too far, then no one would visit England because of level of football hooliganism (taking it way too far) over the past two decades.

We all share the same culture, with a shared history & heritage. I cannot believe some of the comments here. I remember supporting Scotland back in 1978 as a competing home country but I don't demand Scots to support England. I have a question for some of your posters today. Are the English really bigoted and arrogant? Or is this an excuse for some to hide their own bigotry, which I can only assume comes from some bizarre and ludicrous inferiority complex.

who mentioned nazi's, please explain.

Where to start... Firstly, Jack is allowed to support whoever he wants; but he should have had more tact than to say what he did. Secondly, the English company was petty to cancel over something silly like that. Thirdly, the idea of mixing politics and football... this is not what it is all about. It is about being Scottish, or being English, and being allowed to express that. People unfortunately express that in quite racist ways. Why do people think the Scots have an "insecurity/inferiority complex"? It implies we have some irrational feeling; unfounded. This is wrong. There are many reasons why Scots should feel this way, and they are not unjustified. Being Scottish doesn't mean you have to be anti-English; however, the way the English act... it leaves you with little choice. First point: the Act of Union, 1707. I've talked to a few English people who believe England "smashed" Scotland, and won some glorious war, and how England is a great victor over the common Scots. This is insulting to the union of an island, conceived as something which would ultimately secure peace and prosperity. On the prosperity note; Scotland rightly feels mistreated, when it comes to the north sea oil and the great wealth it brings to Britain, why we should suffer being told we are a drain on British funds. Being a student at (a Scottish) university, there are many racist comments I've seen engraved into desks in the library. Many by the English, about how this is an "English colony", and how England "subsidises" Scotland. I get on very well with the English, and if we're going back to blood, we're all related and mixed anyway; and I have "English" blood. The English taunting the Scots is not going to make this problem go away. What sickens Scots is that we don't feel properly recognised. Having the English world cup thrown in our faces is unfair at best of times (of course we are disappointed we didn't get though!

Frazer I have just re-read your comment and I think it was rather arrogant of you, in an English kind of way - of course!!!

What kind of country is the UK turning into? Who is more petty here the First Minister or the English company? Why should any Scot support the English? There are 10 times as many of them as there are of us and yet any of us saying that we will not support them sends them spinning into juvinile behaviour of pouting and refusing to play in our back garden.
Grow up.
Do your best, be proud of your team and leave the rest of us to support whomever we please.
Is it any wonder so many of us North of the border dislike so many of you South of it?

I have a few English friends and we are always slagging each other about the Scotland/England thing. It's all good clean fun. Of course I'm not cheering for England in the World Cup, even if England weren't in the World Cup I wouldn't be supporting any particular team, the reason being that Scotland is my team. Just because England happen to be in the World Cup this time doesn't mean that we should support them just because we neighbour them.

It would be nice if we could just all enjoy the games without bringing all the prejudices into it. If companies are going to cancel their conferences because of ONE man's opinion then those people are better to stay away for Scotland anyway, we don't need their business. For every one of those narrow minded people there will be one hundred open minded people right behind them. I hope they enjoy their conference where ever they go. My way of looking at it is just let the best team win!!

I am Scottish but lived in London for many years and have many English friends and relatives that I have very good banter with but I have to regularly bite my tongue.
When visiting England recently I found the flag waving fervour a bit over the top and slightly sinister. I thought it was fervant patriotic symbolism and felt it may have been directed at the ethnic minorities within England.
I get fed up with the unwitting and constant references to "English money", "English passport" and "English driving licence". When comments are made at New Year about MY national dress like "Oh! it's like a little purse" I can hardly contain my rage.
In a recent patriotic moment I got a tattoo of a lion rampant and my mother-in-law's first derisory comment was "Is it Tony the Tiger"?
Keeping in mind this is from people who have lived in Scotland for many years, it is little wonder why Scots feel distanced and angered by the English superior and patronising attitude.
It is one thing for the English in their own country to look down their noses at the Scots but when they live in Scotland or are visiting and bring their superior attitude it is hard to take.
I personally now don't see that the Scots and the English have very much in common, other than a border, and since we relate much better with our other European neighbours like the French, Dutch and Irish it is probably well overdue to go for independence. After all, how do we benefit from this pretend GB affiliation?

At the end of the day, no-one is going to change their minds so let's call it a truce.

we won though.

I am a Canadian fluent in both of my countries languages, French and English an I also understand German and Spanish. My business takes me to most European cities and without getting into the soccer debate or the Scots/English differences I can empathise with those Scots who are allegedly criticised by their English neighbours. On at least ten occasions I have been insulted by English citizens for being Canadian and just recently in an up-market Pub in London when the bar-help learned I was Canadian his words to me were "P--s off and come back when you can support our boys in Iraq"!

One final comment and then I'm done with all this hatred.

I read nearly all the newspapers daily and no English newspaper has printed this story or none that I have been able to find.

Stephen,

I wasn't referring to state rivalries on the same level as national ones; of course I understand that the rift between Scotland and England goes much deeper.

What I was saying was that rivalries over sports teams is everywhere. It's inescapable. I thappenes all the time, and emotions and tempers run just as high as they are here and now in this instance.

And actually, America has a pretty rich heritage as well. If you think we don't know anything about clashing cultures, your history must not have covered much of ours. Ditto for your current news.

I root for Scotland, but this is not really a new or unusual situation. It's been going on for thousands of years in all different cultures across the globe.

I have enjoyed reading the comments. I think it is amusing, really, the way people get so emotionally overwrought over sports. I wonder if anyone stops to think that sport nowadays is all about money. It has nothing to do with patriotism or politics. I don't follow soccer or any other sport, but I'd bet my bottom dollar that if we checked on the ethnic origins of any team we'd find that the players come from all over. Not just from the country they are playing for.

E-mail wars like we see in this discussion must be delightful to anyone invovled in the business-end of sports. Stirring up such national fervour ensures more ticket sales, more product sales of flags, clothing etc.

Don't be guiled folks! Soccer, hockey, etc. long ceased to be about national identity and sportsmanship. It is all about the almighty dollar.

PPS
Although I hate to admit it england were superb in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. I have never seen a team so prepared. Their skill was fantastic and there fitness was an example to all - oh how the mighty have fallen:-)

Well said Maria - all this is much ado about nothing and quite honestly if Scotland want independence here is one English person who would be only too glad to see them get it. Nationalism causes more violence than anything else.

From what I have read here I'm sad to say that Xenophobia rules on both sides of the border - and other parts of the world too.

The Minister and the firm involved - who should be named and shamed - are not setting a very good example IMO.

Both countries have a lot to offer and both have some very nice ordinary folk living in them who couldn't really give a toss who people support.

What has surprised me, a little, is the hatred stored for things that happened hundreds of years ago. My maiden name is an anglo-saxon one, perhaps I should hate the French because of the Norman invasion or the Napoleonic wars - but I don't. I am sensible enough to realised that I can't change the past and neither did I, or anyone else alive today, have anything to do with it. What a shame a few others of you are not mature enough to realise that. On both sides!

And Angela,

I would dearly love to live in Scotland, at least for a while...not because I think it is better than anywhere, but because I'm smitten with it. And, like anything else, when you are smitten with something, you tend to gloss over certain things.

But I am not totally naive. I've lived all over these United States and have already learned that no one place is better than another. The attitude you bring to a place is nearly (if not equally) as important as what you encounter there.

Cultural, national pride is good, but grace, peace, and love for others is better.

Very poor judgement the kind of crap that spoils us as a whole country take the petty comments Jack back to the 1800s where they belong its long over due to move on and be more possitive. All I can say is your not very proffesional for the possition your in plus Donald Trump will not help you with this one. Cheers Scottie the photographer in California who has potographed most people but yourself.

just a few words for Mel, before you start on anyones makeup you should have a long hard look at yourself and think on the old saying "People in glass houses " etc., or if that is too subtle for your tiny mind, try this; let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Your own countries record isn't exactly squeaky clean, and as far as not wanting to visit Scotland, all I can say is, I bet the Scots are saying "thank God for that"

George,
You are in Canada therefore you are not qualified to discuss such things.

I think the English and the Scots get on just fine. The football stuff is just banter and you all know it.

Some of the vitreol is more than likely directed to the braying home counties brigade that you can hear well before you ever see. That lot are disliked even within their own country and sadly we seem to get more than out fair share in Edinburgh.

Right now I am watching Carolina Hurricanes,playing Edmonton Eskimos,for the Stanley Cup.Do I care who wins? No,they are all big boy's,playing little boys games,and they are very well paid. They lose no sleep if they win,or lose

The same for football,I watch the world cup,again I support the team that gives the best game.I do not
care what colours they wear.

What do I think of the above. nothing but a Hurricane in a tea cup. Both the minister,and the English Co.that cancelled Swallow's hotel,are just big boys, playing little boy's games.

For gods sake,You King Bruce',and King Arther's GET A LIFE.

Born a Kellie,

Wee Davie,

I am aghast when this sort of thing happens here in the U.S. and it happens all the time!

Although I have never attended or watched a collage football game in my life; I have to be mindful of my surroundings when I wear my LSU Alumni T-shirt. I have actually been threatened with violence by supporters of other college teams. And that includes family members!

It looks like Rome didn’t Fall; it just spread out. When the security and stability of countries, hinge on a game, you gotta wonder… Who’s fiddling?

This shows how petty the English are.Personally I have NEVER supported the English at anything nor have 99%of Scots that I know. This is nothing new just another attempt of the English to controL They are so full of themselves and their perceived importance in this world that nobody matters but them...in the words of that wonderful song its time we "rose against them and became a NATION again!!!
I support Trinidad and Tobago and every other team in the world cup EXCEPT England. How dare they presume to tell me who I can and cannot support

PS Yorkshire men are far tighter than Scotsmen.