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In 248 smashing minutes a new British bulldog is born – now bring on Nadal



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Published Date: 02 July 2008
By Stephen McGinty
IT DOESN'T get any easier. Less than 48 hours after one of the most stunning comebacks in Wimbledon history, Andy Murray will today walk on to Centre Court with the aim of out-muscling one of the fiercest competitors in tennis – world No 2 Rafael Nadal.
What he can be sure of is the complete support of every UK tennis fan, all desperately hoping to see the first British men's singles champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

Murray's epic victory over Richard Gasquet triggered a betting frenzy and may persuade thousands to bunk off work to witness his quarter-final clash.

Unofficial ticket prices for today's match on the Centre Court have soared, with one pair offered online for £2,500.

Meanwhile, bookmakers expect the total number of bets to exceed £10 million, twice the figure ever achieved during a Tim Henman match. Murray, however, seeded 12th, remains the underdog, with odds of 3/1, while his opponent, who has already beaten him three times before, is 2/9 to win.

The BBC, however, is already proving to be a major winner, with the broadcaster's decision to carry Murray's epic match against Gasquet on to BBC1 rewarded with audiences of 10.5 million. In Scotland, one in five of the population watched the finale to the match.

Millions will be watching today's match, including his grandmother, Shirley Erskine, who yesterday said that Andy's determination and refusal to concede defeat was already on display as a child when he insisted on winning every friendly family game of snap, dominoes and monopoly.

She said: "Since he was a little boy, he's always been a fighter. He always hated to lose – even if it was snap or dominoes.

"He learned to become a good winner and a gracious loser, but he made it clear from a very early age that he expected to win most things. ."

Yesterday Murray said: "Nadal is obviously the favourite, but I feel I can win."

If so, then the rewards are potentially massive. Publicist Max Clifford said a Wimbledon win could earn Murray tens of millions.

"From a financial point of view what happened yesterday was brilliant, " he said. " If he were to beat Nadal, if he wins Wimbledon, he becomes a superstar and his earnings go through the roof. If he were to win Wimbledon, we're talking about £50 million."

Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, said Murray had shown "tremendous character" and that millions would be supporting him today.

Work exodus as Murray courts victory

BRITISH industry is expected to lose millions of pounds in productivity as a result of Murray mania.

Thousands of British tennis fans are expected to skip work today in order to watch the Scot's quarter-final match. Employment experts predict that staff across the country will either take a whole day off work, or miss the afternoon in order to watch what is expected to be a Wimbledon classic.

Long lunches, a meeting out of the office but near the employee's home and a doctor's appointment are likely to be the top three excuses for people avoiding their jobs. Research by a leading personnel software company, suggests that employees dodging work already cost British business £1 million a week, adding to Britain's £13 billion workplace absenteeism crisis.

The full article contains 559 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 01 July 2008 11:07 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Andrew Murray
 
1

indune1,

Canada 02/07/2008 00:25:07

Uh oh! The sight of wee Andy with the "Jack" will ensure a least 8oo posts. I'm first. Good luck Andy.
2

Richardinho,

02/07/2008 00:38:18
50 million quid for holding up that rag. Reckon I could just about be persuaded to do that!
3

McDiarmid,

Perth 02/07/2008 00:44:27
Let's hope that there are no Murray supporters on Henman's Hill....!!!
4

Helene,

Ontario, Canada 02/07/2008 01:43:41
As a life long tennis hacker and enthusiast, I'm delighted to see Andy Murray do so well. Being British as well as Scottish will win him many more loyal fans.
5

Steafan,

02/07/2008 03:33:08
In most other country's eyes, Britain is synonymous with England. For example, in the Japanese language, there is no word for Britain. THey use ???? Igirisu, which comes from the Portuguese "Inglez", meaning of course England.

The English themselves have trouble distinguishing between Britain and England, for example many of them still refer to the whole island of Britain as English.

Murray is receiving some funding now from the English Lawn Tennis Association, but of course, he received no help in his formative years, and only received support from them once he started climbing up the rankings a few years ago.

The English will support him as British, because they know that, because of the political situation in Britain, where England represents us internationally, that the rest of the World will think he is English.

That's the long and short of it. However, perhaps he should next be photographed with a European Union flag, and then he would gain even MORE support, wouldn't he?
6

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

02/07/2008 03:51:32
It's a shame a young man has been bullied/cajoled into ignoring his natural pride in being Scottish because it upset the English chattering classes.

Imagine the outcry from these same people if Scots complained about Tim Henman showing pride in being English.
7

Tart,

New Zealand 02/07/2008 05:00:47
You can do it Andy - and do it for Scotland
8

scotia,

Caribbean 02/07/2008 05:32:17
You have it right #5. Where I am they all talk about England and don't understand about Britain or Scotland. I think he has done a great job in his sport but he should remember where he is from and not sell out for money. I suppose if he wins it will be a great British victory but if he loses it will be a Scottish loss. The same will be said through out the Olympics as it has been done in the past.
9

Stephen fae Scotland,

San Francisco (& Edinburgh) 02/07/2008 05:45:04
What a bunch of half wits and bigots - it PERFECTLY possible to be both Scottish AND British. In Fact Scottish, British and European. Only a half-wit or a bigot says no to any one of those parts of his or her heritage. (And plenty of them read the Scotsman)

You go Andy - make us proud. Ignore the McTalliban and embrace all the parts that make you the great athlete you are. Giud Luck tae ye bonnie laddie!
10

Neil Waugh,

Old Strathcona 02/07/2008 05:47:55
What a disgusting sell out. Hopefully Nadal stuffs him in straight sets. I guess its all about the money, eh Andy?
Looks like those Beeb bozos don't have to worry anymore about a slip of the tongue for the "British" lad.
11

ScotsDancer,

San Francisco 02/07/2008 05:51:35
It is OK Andrew Murray as the Union Jack symbolically represents the saints, Andrew, George, and David, and I hope they all conspire to bring about a Scots Lad's victory.
12

ScotsDancer,

San Francisco 02/07/2008 05:53:25
But remember Andrew Lad, when you get the dirk in, give it a good twist.
13

Isla Valassie,

02/07/2008 06:03:41
I don't remember an outcry when Chris Hoy was parading the Union flag after his gold medal winning sprint at the recent World track cycling championships. The commentators made plenty references to the fact he was Scottish. What's the big problem?!
14

john z,

edinburgh 02/07/2008 06:20:47
Why does he have to fly the union rag in order to have support??? Does anyone of any country in the world fly another countries flag just to get fans.

Could we have seen boris becker flying the french flag just so he got french fans, or maybe Nedal flying the italian flag just so he gets Italian fans.

If as is reported, he chose to 'ditch' the Scottish flag for the English (so-called union) flag, then I and others around the world have no time for him. As others have said, around the world the union flag is regarded as England.

Hey there are lots of people in the USA, why doesn't he drape himself in the stars and stripes, then he'd have lots of American fans.

It was never a problem for Henman being English

Why has he adopted another countries flag?? I just cannot understand why.

He has been VERY badly advised.

If this is true, then he gains the support of the snooty english elite, and loses many fans in Scotland. Take some pride in your country, instead of obeying these leaches in England. Nedal will tell you he is spanish, you won't catch him draping himself in another countries flag. Maybe he is the better man.
15

Rudolf The Red,

Embra 02/07/2008 06:34:45
If he loses: Brave scot
If he wins: Triumphant Brit

Whats the betting?
16

donald,

glasgow 02/07/2008 06:52:38
Just watched the EBC British Nationalist tennis reporter gushing on about Andy "British" Murray. I won't be watching the Wombles now.
17

Scotindy,

Los Angeles 02/07/2008 07:03:54
What a TRAITOR, to display the BUTCHERS APRON is a DISGRACE to all humans in SCOTLAND. Hope he lives in england for the rest of his unpatriotic SCOTTISH life.
18

JamesMc,

02/07/2008 07:17:57
Shame on you Andy....shame

The Scotsman must have loved this, how many times could they get the word British into a single article? Time to change the name of the paper, Britman - and time the rag and Murray both headed south of the border for good, where they belong.
19

Skyrat,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 07:24:14
#6 excellent post. The poor lad is obviously very proud to be a Scot and has had to be seen to do things like this to ensure his popularity with the Hooray-Henries at Britain's biggest tennis event. At least he got it the right way up, which is more than can be said for most of the muppets who wave it so enthusiastically.

#17 Bit strong isn't it? No need for that.
20

AVRENIM,

Montvalent 02/07/2008 07:26:14
#5
The Japanese are quite willing to corrected and call a Scot 'Scotorando - jin'. Japanese are big fans of Scottish culture - see the number of entrants for the dance competitions at the annual Tokyo Highland games. A Dundee Scotsman gave the Japanese their first brewery.The Japanese reciprocated by inventing the electronic bagpipe tuner
21

Skyrat,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 07:30:30
#14 another country's flag? Are you really that ignorant? I have no love for the Union Jack but the simple fact is it is the current British flag.
22

Kate,

Zurich 02/07/2008 07:42:35
#5 Steafan, although you are correct about the Japanese language having a generic term meaning "English" to cover all Brits, it is possible to be Scottish and not British. Britain consists of 2 countries - England and Wales. Great Britain, represented by the Union Flag consists of England, Wales and Scotland, while the United Kingdom then adds in Northern Ireland. Therefore, for any Scot to deny he or she is British is absolutely correct and not racist in any way...

Good luck to Andy, whichever flag he flies!
23

bonhommedubois,

Glasgow 02/07/2008 07:43:02
I'm a Scot and a proud Scot. In sport I'll often not support England (rugby) - but sometimes I will (cricket). It depends on their arrogance - or who is the underdog.

My wife is English. So my children - who are fanatically 'Scots' - are half English. There are many Scots who are half English, Irish, Welsh etc.

I used to live in London - but left. I wanted to live in Scotland.

I'm not a nationalist - but I can give credit to the SNP - they are doing a reasonable job.

When Murray was winning, I was screaming and jumping about - brilliant.

I am ashamed of most of the posts on this board. The bigotry and hatred and sheer malicious venom is frightening. To think that it is people like this that call themselves Scots. And they call themselves as Nationalists. God forbid we turn into a nation of bile and vitriol, as respresented by these so called 'Scots'.

Doh!

It is possible to be Scottish and British.If it hadn't been for the Empire we would not have had the opportunity to be the great nation we are. It allowed our talents to flourish. (Read "How Scotland created the Modern World.")

The Union Jack contains the Saltire.

And which numpty thinks that a European flag (I've heard some stupid things....) would make any sense. Who in their right mind gets excited about being 'European'?

I wish all you sour, bitter, bigoted so called 'nationalists' would pack your bags and leave this country. It doesn't need you. Go and poison some other nation.





24

Kate,

Zurich 02/07/2008 07:43:40
Forgot to add, that the Chinese language, from which much of Japanese is derived, although they'll never acknowledge that, does have the word Scotland and Scottish, as well as England, Wales, Ireland and so on...
25

Fredish,

Scotland, Britain (in case you'd forgotten) 02/07/2008 07:44:08
Haha! The lunatic fringe are out again! Such venom and bile over a young sportsman being pictured with his national flag. Luckily there aren't very many of you.
26

Janis B,

london 02/07/2008 07:45:30

Skyrat @ 19 "Hooray Henries" That is sooo 90's. Noticed on BBC news today just how many Asian youngsters were queueing up to see Andy. Have also noticed how many Asian kids are playing in the local Tennis Club. Will they produce the future tennis equivalent to Cricket's Pankester?. Which flag will they fly? How worrying will that be for parochial little Englanders/Scots ?

Good luck Andy !
27

lachlan,

02/07/2008 07:51:15
#5
'However, perhaps he should next be photographed with a European Union flag, and then he would gain even MORE support, wouldn't he?'
like it.not sure the british nats would though.
28

danielrober,

02/07/2008 07:57:52
Pip pip, good luck chap, bring it home for y pals and all that.

Ahh heck just go for it like YOU do and win it for yourself. I'm looking forward to the Andy Mury shirts im the gym.
29

scotia,

Caribbean 02/07/2008 08:01:31
#5 Kate Zurich, The Union flag does not have the Welsh flag in it, it is the Irish flag, St Patrick's cross. Is this mistake a failing in the Swiss school system not fully understanding the make up of Britain and the UK?
I mean that as no disrespect to Switzerland but it is endemic of the way that England and Britain is looked at around the world, hence the bitterness felt by the Scots who are looking to be looked at as equals in Britain and not a suburb of England
30

Andy Mac,

Glasgow 02/07/2008 08:04:12
From the commentary of the Gasquet match:

Tim Henman:
Is it always this nerve-wracking?
John Mcenroe:
Only when you English play!

Yes. Scotland is not England, but to the outside world it is. A Russian colleague tried telling me the other day that Scotland became part of England in 1603.

Go for it Murray!
31

scotia,

Caribbean 02/07/2008 08:04:29
Opps sorry should have said #24 Kate Zurich.
32

Dougie Douglas,

Brisbane 02/07/2008 08:13:01
I want Andy to do well but he is getting bad advice from somewhere.

The interview I saw him in after the last match had him eating his dinner whilst giving half-ar$ed answers!

He has won more fans in the last two days than in his lifetime but someone needs to tell him to stop acting like a wee nob.

33

Alastair the First,

02/07/2008 08:17:39
He's still young and foolish - in a few years time he will look back on that UJ picture and cringe with embarrassment. The hand of a PR man has created that image.

Anyway, we know he's Scottish. Good luck Andy, give it your best shot. If you win this it will be one of the greatest ever performances by a Scotsman.
34

Joemac,

Motherwell 02/07/2008 08:27:33
He's a brand now with hopes to be a global brand. The first rule for him is not to alienate any of his market. I very much doubt he'll ever be anything less than proud to be a Scot, he'll just be a bit more careful about what he says and does so there'll be no more of his reported "I'll be supporting any team in the football except England" comments.

He stopped being a feisty young Scot some time ago - he has a fitness/nutrition team of five and no doubt the marketing retinue grows all the time. Given his age, talent and personality, £billions await in endorsements. Murray is very big business.
35

john z,

edinburgh 02/07/2008 08:33:55
I just watched that moron on GMTV, fiona philips say in reference to Andy Murray;

"he's not Scottish, he's British"

I wonder, does she tell her Scottish husband that he is also not Scottish. What a stupid offensive English drip.
36

Hermitage,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 08:33:58
Ha!

It doesn't take long for all the whinging, chip-on-the-shoulders, Scots to come crawling out from beneath the stones. Expect another 1000 similar posts from them.
37

john z,

edinburgh 02/07/2008 08:38:50
Number 23, see my post at 35

In England you are either English or British. If you say you are Scottish you either

a. have a chip on your shoulder or,

B. Have a bad attitude.

I wish Andy well, but let's be clear, he is Scottish. Just as Tim Henman IS English.

Put it another way, if Andy was playing Tim today, the English would be supporting Tim (and quite rightly too)


Let's hope the commentators can get that right.
38

Mike Masterton,

02/07/2008 08:40:12
Henman's Hill !! that big jessie, Andy's much more than that, whether he's flying the union rag or the saltire we're all behind you laddie !
I'll be flying the Rampant Lion here in London.
39

Scottie,

South Africa 02/07/2008 08:41:21
Oh for heaven's sake, what passport does he carry (for the petty-minded)?
40

Vaughan,

New Westminster, Canada 02/07/2008 08:44:45
#6 said the MAN was bullied/cajoled. Sounds like if he was, he is weak and that is not the case. Anytime anyone does not do what one WANTS them to do, they are put down. I say Go Andy. Young and foolish? How did he end up to be on Center Court? I do not see any of you knockers out there, or me, for that matter. This is a talented player, who like T. Woods, understands his value. Think of it, he may never be here again and he knows it. Meanwhile, back at the match: I Hope He Puts In A Fine Showing, all you people who put EVERYTHING into a big Nationalist battle! Sometimes a cigar...
41

Scottie,

South Africa 02/07/2008 08:46:30
PS and I hope he does well ... and that he wears a shirt with the Scottish flag on it somewhere :) Now there's an idea for some Scottish manufacturer, Scotland could benefit all round.
42

malcolmcean,

02/07/2008 08:46:50
Heritage Edinburgh,

Do yo not find it even slighly depressng that, when playing at Wimbledon, Tim Henman (whom I like immensely) is supported by fans who almost universaly waved the St George's cross (it was ubiquitous - drowning out a couple of Union flags here and there), but Murray struggles to even get lukewarm applause because he is too Scottish.

So now he must wear a union flag and be a British bulldog to be accepted.

If this were a union worth it name then the supporers at SW19 would have happliy been waving the saltire and the union flag with equal enthusiasm.

Tht they do not (and seem to be positively antipathetic towards the idea) is one further reason why I fear (and I say this with genuine regret) that this union is not long for this life.

43

Sparky,

Hamilton 02/07/2008 08:52:42
First and foremost the guy is a tennis player, even if he gets no further he has done Scotland proud.
Good luck Andy Murray.
44

thinking,

Scotland 02/07/2008 09:01:59
#5 (& others)
It is not the fault of the English if other countries call Britain England.
1. We call our main language English, a language which is spoken throughout the world
2. Britain is so tiny compared to many countries that they see it as one country
3. If you watch Wimbledon you will see that whilst the spectators support a British player they also applaud any good play from any player regardless of nationality (unless they are badly behaved)
4. Henman Hill is often called Murray's Mount when Andy was playing, this also happened last year when he was less known
45

Selgovae,

Scottish Borders 02/07/2008 09:04:05
#22 Kate

"Britain consists of 2 countries - England and Wales."

That's an original definition, but it's a bit like saying Scandinavia consists of Norway and Sweden.
46

Selgovae,

Scottish Borders 02/07/2008 09:13:18
#20 AVRENIM

I agree with what you say about Japanaese attitudes to Scotland.

"A Dundee Scotsman gave the Japanese their first brewery"

I think you're referring to Thomas Glover (from Aberdeenshire). He was involved in creating the first Kirin brewery, but not the first brewery in Japan.

The honour for the first brewery in Japan may have to go to (shock and horror) an American.

http://www.brewers.or.jp/english/09-history.html
47

Rob7,

England 02/07/2008 09:19:48
ANYONE BUT MURRAY TO WIN!
48

Selgovae,

Scottish Borders 02/07/2008 09:24:22
#43 Sparky

"First and foremost the guy is a tennis player"

Nice comment, and exactly right. It's amazing the number of people here who need someone else to carry their flags and fight their fights.
49

Toom,

02/07/2008 09:38:02
It's tennis folks - only a game - hittin' a wee baw back and forward ower a net for fun and exercise. If what Murray does, and whether or not he wins, is important to you then try on the trite phrase 'get a life' and see if it fits.
50

A. Puschkin,

02/07/2008 09:47:44
The bigotry and hatred and sheer malicious venom is frightening. To think that it is people like this that call themselves Scots. And they call themselves as Nationalists. God forbid we turn into a nation of bile and vitriol, as respresented by these so called 'Scots'.

As a nation we seem to need someone to shout for and something to shout at!

No wonder we routed any body that got in our way with our blood curdling roars....

BUT

this is tennis for ...... sake!

I hope it isnt going to descend into another Football slanging match!

Good for Andy - good for Scotland and good for britain!
51

St. George,

Bolton 02/07/2008 09:49:56
On a recent newspaper forum when English people were showing their disgust at the Rangers riots in Manchester, a Scottish person was upset about the comments, which, after the disgusting behaviour of the Rangers fans, were justified.

Obviously he has not been on any Scottish forums like this. It is only a tennis match and the anti-English comments are, as usual, over the top.

I stopped watching tennis when all the grunting started, so I am not bothered one way or another who wins. Now, with Andy Murray, the grunting has turned into yobbish behaviour. If this is what turns you on, good luck to you.
52

commonsense,

Looking for Old Gala Flag 02/07/2008 09:50:37
#34 I agree
It would be tremendous for him to win Wimbledon this year,but taking emotions out of it,it is unlikely that the bookies would be that wrong.
Support him,he is not William Wallace returning to "save us",he is just a young man with great spirit and good at tennis.
53

wattie>x 1,

PLYMOUTH 02/07/2008 09:53:06
If Andie pandie had read Monday's English edition of the Daily Mirror and seen the bile that was poured out about him, he would have sprayed the shroud he decided to wrap himself in , with some liiuid that is in short supply at the moment and set it alight.
The squalid article in question was nothinng short of pure racism directed against Scots!
54

TommyKaye,

UK 02/07/2008 09:57:57
To all those who brought Japan into the story do yourself a favour and get a book called;

The Scottish Saumrai.

Thomas Blake Glover - Japan

Upon leaving school Thomas Blake Glover started work for a trading company and was soon travelling the World, becoming a successful trader in weapons and ships. His travels took him to Japan with one of his brothers when they both worked for the tea merchant Jardine, Matheson & Co. during the late 1850s and early 1860s. In 1861 he formed his own trading company. He lived in Nagasaki where in 1863 he built a house on the Minami Yamate hillside which overlooks Nagasaki Harbour. This still remains as the oldest Western style building in Japan. Over 2 million people visit it each year. It is known as Glover House and boasts a stunning garden. It is Japan's top tourist attraction.


Thomas Blake Glover - Mitsubishi

Glover was also a key part in the industrialisation of Japan. After commissioning three warships to be built at Aberdeen shipyards (including the Jho Sho Maru which was their first iron-clad warship) for the Japanese Navy he formed his own shipbuilding company. This developed into the company Mitsubishi after his bankruptcy in 1870. He remained in the company as a Consultant. He also introduced the first trains to Japan and the first mechanised coal mine. He owned the Takashima Coal Mine and helped found the Kirin Beer Company.

Along with other foreign residents they built and funded the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at the Minami Yamate hillside in 1862.



Madame Butterfly

Thomas Blake Glover married Tsura, the daughter of a Samurai, in 1867. The couple are thought to have inspired John Luther Long to write the story that Puccini later based the Opera Madame Butterfly based on. Tsura often wore a butterfly emblem on her clothes. They had two children called Hana and Tomisaburo, who was nicknamed Tommy by his father

So basically for modern Japan thank Scotland
55

Andy Mac,

02/07/2008 09:57:58
Mr A Puschkin, you have a talent for drama:

"bigotry and hatred and sheer malicious venom is frightening"

The National question is naturally going to be aired on an occasion such as this, where one of Scotland's sons is mistook for an Englishman.

Get over it.
56

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 10:05:11
Scotland's No1 is an inspiration to kids all over the country. Even foreign kids, from the likes of England, Wales, France and the USA love the guy!

The nation is lucky to have a world class sportsman in a world class sport. Let's hope he can carry the good form through to the final!

btw, the Union Flag shots are pure publicity and should secure some very valuable endorsements from UK wide firms. It's a short career and he's got to make a killing somehow! ;)
57

Guga II,

Rockall 02/07/2008 10:06:18
Draping himself with the Butcher's Apron is a total sell out. I hope Nadal gives him a good doing.
58

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 10:09:15
#51,

Yobbish behaviour????

At least Andy hasn't brutalised a ballboy/girl during a match, unlike the 'darlings' of the Home Counties; Wade and Henman!
59

Linda,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 10:16:00
Andy Murray has not changed his views, he was asked by journalists to pose with Union Jack and could hardly refuse (although some hoped he would as that would be a big story). Just as Catalans played for Spain in Euro Championships.
60

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 10:18:36
#59,

Good observation and probably totally accurate!
61

scottish person,

paisley 02/07/2008 10:24:06
So much for the great beeb, Andy Murray was already 4-3 down on Tuesday before they started to show his match, instead we got an interview with a has been who had just been beaten. Siting a sore thigh as the reason.

62

Alfie the OK,

England. (not Britain) 02/07/2008 10:24:10
You know, it's funny, but I don't ever remember Tim Henman being referred to as 'English'......

He was always 'Britain's number one' as was Mike Sangster, Mark Cox, Buster Mottram.... all the way back to Fred Perry.... All those players, although all English never, ever dwelt on their national origin - they were happy to proclaim themselves as being British - and offered support to other Britons in different sports....

Can ANYONE, truthfully say that they could, in their wildest dreams ever imagine Tim Henman saying that he would support anyone but Scotland in the world cup?

As far as I am concerned, Murray told us evertyhing we need to know about him when he did his 'anyone but England' quote in the last world cup.

During the European Nations cup of 4 years ago, ITV were doing starting grid interviews in a Formula One race. They walked up to Jensen Button - the reailly BIG subject of discussion from the interviewer was the redesign of the graphics on Button's helmet. He had a stylised red cross on it. The interviewer took exception to it - and asked just WHY he had ditched the union jack design in favour of something a bit, dodgy.

Button looked a bit embarrassed and said that he was showing his support for the English boys playing in the tournament. The interviewer made him promise that the UJ would be back on the hat as soon as England were out of the competition.

Then the interviewer sashayed over to David Coulthard... and introduced him as 'the Scot, David Coulthard'.... and there was Dave sat in his machine, wearing his helmet emblazoned as per usual with the Saltire....

When do you reckon, we English will be allowed to revel in our nationality without us always being referred to as British?

Lastly, if England had qualified for this Euro Nations cup, and by a miracle had got to the final, which national leader do you reckon would have been 'supporting' us in the stands? Gordon Brown, obviously.

63

Gorgieslums,

02/07/2008 10:27:07
What he can be sure of is the complete support of every UK tennis fan, all desperately hoping to see the first British men's singles champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

I don't think this lot read that particular memo......

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1030989/Murray-vs-Matador-Help-win-British-No-1-urges-Wimbledon-fans.html#comments
64

Yeah1,

02/07/2008 10:29:05
#14 John Z

"Why does he have to fly the union rag in order to have support??? Does anyone of any country in the world fly another countries flag just to get fans."

Do you actually have a brain? How is the Union Jack the flag of another country? Like it or not for the moment Scotland is part of Britain, and therefore the Union Jack is not the flag of 'another country'.

Equating the Murray situation with Boris Becker flying the French flag or Nadal the Italian one shows just how ignorant and bigoted you are, the two situations are not comparable in the slightest.

"If this is true, then he gains the support of the snooty english elite, and loses many fans in Scotland. Take some pride in your country, instead of obeying these leaches in England."

Since the majority of people who attend Wimbledon are from the English middle classes I'm sure Murray won't be too bothered about gaining their support and losing that of Scottish fans - although any Scottish fan who stops supporting him just because he draped the Union Jack around himself is pathetic anyway.

"Nedal will tell you he is spanish, you won't catch him draping himself in another countries flag. Maybe he is the better man."

The situation is not comparable to Nadal - you could compare it to the Spanish football team though - players like Puyol and Xavi are Catalan, but still play for Spain and showed pride in the Spanish victory - similar to Murray being Scottish but also happy to wave the Union Jack.
65

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 10:31:31
#62,

Good on you. England should be a proud nation and not at all embarrassed to display total patriotism. The sooner the English realise this, the better for everyone!

Hanging on to the coat tails of successful Scottish sportsmen must be embarrassing for the English, no?
66

David Chapman,

Aberdeen 02/07/2008 10:33:11
#17: If Murray carrying the Jack is "a disgrace to all the humans in Scotland", why are you so outraged? You're not in Scotland - and I wouldn't want to place wagers on you being human either. You and your ilk sound more like yapping dogs to me.

Scotland is part of Britain. All Scots are British. When ignorant people confuse English and British by all means correct them, but don't blame the English for the mistake. English people don't say Scots are English - STUPID people do. And there's plenty of them to go around in every country.

#42: Tim Henman was Britain's tennis hero for years. When both he and Murray were playing Henman was always going to get the lion's share of the acclaim, but nobody ever didn't support Murray as well. The only difference between this year and previous years is that Henman has retired; Murray is now in the spotlight.

67

HEN BROON 5,

ALBA being held back by the UK 02/07/2008 10:38:10
#65. AJ as ever right on the button. ;o)
68

Yeah1,

02/07/2008 10:43:20
#65 AJ

"Hanging on to the coat tails of successful Scottish sportsmen must be embarrassing for the English, no?"

So did no tennis fans in Scotland support Henman when he was doing well at wimbledon then?

The English fans at wimbledon are not 'hanging onto the coat tails' of a successful Scottish sportsman, they are supporting the BRITISH no.1 in his attempts to win wimbledon.
69

David Chapman,

Aberdeen 02/07/2008 10:47:22
The English aren't at all embarrassed about hanging on the coat tails of British sportsmen. On the other hand, Scots must find it embarrassing that when they get a sporting hero to cheer for for the first time in how long, a bunch of yahoos start denigrating him for not being a racist like them.
70

The Scotchman,

02/07/2008 10:47:26
Here is Sir Tim representing Britain with flag in hand. Take a look! >

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5140912.stm
71

Martin_edinburgh,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 10:47:35
Oh dear, everyone gets so het up at whether players like Andy are representing Scotland or the UK at Wimbledon. Well, the answer is neither. The Wimbledon Singles competition is a personal tournament in which the players play for, and represent, themselves only. This is not the Davis Cup, where players play for a national team. Expecting a Wimbledon competitor to represent Scotland or the UK or wherever is just a projection of our own national aspirations and has nothing to do with the nature of the tournament. Too many posters above seem to be falling into this trap, and are working themselves up into a fury about this tournament as if it were a substitute for a General Election nationalist/unionist battle.

I hope Andy plays for himself and enjoys the experience.
72

Alfie Bett,

02/07/2008 10:52:12
I wouldn't get too upset by the fact that Andy Murray has that piece of cloth around him,he voiced his sentiments a couple of years ago when asked what team he would support in the world cup and John Bull will never forgive him for that,but as long as he is having success they will try to anglicise his image on the world stage to gain some reflected glory, that is what they do and have done so time and time again whenever Scotland has on occasion produced world class athletes.If he refused to pose in pictures as the press want him to then they would deliberately portray him to the world as a boorish ungrateful Jock and I doubt he would want that kind of negative press at this stage in his career, they have dished that to him already previously.
Lets face it,whether we like it or not we all are seen as Bringlish by most of the world and it will continue to be so until such times as we decide to make it otherwise,times which fortunately seem to be getting a lot closer now.
73

David Chapman,

Aberdeen 02/07/2008 10:52:59
#68: a few years ago, the Harbour Bar in Aberdeen advertised Wimbledon with a sign saying "COME SEE HENMAN LOSE ON OUR BIG-SCREEN TV".

Every time something like that happens, Scotland dies a little more. When all a nationalist movement can do is hate its neighbours, that nation has no pride any more.
74

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 10:54:52
#68,

You mean the Scottish No1?
75

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 10:57:20
#73,

It's not hate, it's called taking the p@~*!
76

Yeah1,

02/07/2008 11:00:00
Its perfectly fair for Murray to support Scotland at football and oppose England, he is from Scotland after all (even though he now lives in England and hasn't really lived in Scotland since he was a child).

In wimbledon however, Murray is the British no.1 and is therefore representing Britain - so it is also understandable that he would show this by draping the Union Jack over his shoulders.
77

scottish person,

paisley 02/07/2008 11:02:33
Get off this Scottish, english thing. We know that Andy Murray is Scottish and at the momwnt british. Why not support him as the great tennis player that he proved to be the other night.
78

archie23,

london 02/07/2008 11:06:53
They do not mistake him for English in France.

I watched the match with Gasquet on French television and they referred to Murray throughout as 'ecossais'.

79

Andy Mac,

02/07/2008 11:09:24
#73: "When all a nationalist movement can do is hate its neighbours..."

You offend decent minded forward-thinking Scots.

Salmond et al have never spoke of hating anyone, only suggested we may be "better a good neighbour than a surly lodger".
80

Hamish Scott,

02/07/2008 11:13:59
"Bought and sold for English gold, what a parcel of rogues in a nation"

Andy Murray you are a cowardly turncoat. Shame on you.
81

Hamish Scott,

02/07/2008 11:16:56
#66
"Scotland is part of Britain. All Scots are British"

Listen laddie, I'm not British, DON'T TELL ME WHO I AM.
82

KeithD,

Fife 02/07/2008 11:17:05
Andy Murray = Bought and sold for English gold !!
83

Guga II,

Rockall 02/07/2008 11:19:41
#70. A few more of these posters should take a look at that URL you gave.
84

Yeah1,

02/07/2008 11:21:30
#80

How on earth is Murray a 'cowardly turncoat'?

A turncoat is someone who traitorously switches allegiance - as far as I am aware Murray has not done this - he is still Scottish, and he is also still British - he has not been pictured with the Flag of St George, or the flag of any other country, so he is not a 'turncoat'.

As for being 'cowardly' I would suggest the manner of his victory v Gasquet showed a lot of bravery, at least in sporting terms, rather than cowardice.

So calling Murray a 'cowardly turncoat' merely reflects badly on your own personal views and character.
85

Yeah1,

02/07/2008 11:24:58
#81 Hamish Scott:

"Scotland is part of Britain. All Scots are British"

"Listen laddie, I'm not British, DON'T TELL ME WHO I AM."

You may not believe you are British or feel British but unfortunately for you, at least for the next few years, you are technically British, whether you like it or not.
86

European Scot,

02/07/2008 11:25:35
64 Yeah1

"The situation is not comparable to Nadal - you could compare it to the Spanish football team though - players like Puyol and Xavi are Catalan, but still play for Spain and showed pride in the Spanish victory"

You come back to that same old Unionist tactic of comparing States, or regions with Scotland, which is a country.
So if it's OK for a Spanish player to sport his National flag, why can't a Scottish player sport his own country's flag, the Saltire.
Is it the British State's influence, that makes it necessary for a player such as Andy Murray, who is so proud to be Scottish, to turn aside his own flag, in favour of a Union flag ?
Can't we just judge this young Scot on his tennis skills, without wrapping it up in 'British' packaging.
It's funny to see people on here decrying the Nats for having a go at the Union flag, and yet these same people would be turned against Murray, and would be less likely to support him, if he were draped in the flag of his own country, Scotland. One which would be his first choice for sure.
It's also cynical marketing, it's got to be 'British' to be 'saleable' to English fans.
Are English tennis fans incapable of accepting a Scottish tennis star ?
They are, after all, quite happy supporting Australians, Americans, Spanish, etc.
The simple truth is, it's 'the Establishment' that wouldn't accept the images of a Scottish player winning Wimbledon.
Politically, especially now, it would be quite damaging for Westminster to have the Scottish flag, and Scotland associated with a Wimbledon win.
Imagine the images of Murray draped in a Saltire, going all around the World.
Oh No, we can't have that old boy. Wrap him up in the Union flag immediately.
We've got an image to maintain, eh what !
87

Hamish Scott,

02/07/2008 11:27:32
#84
He is a turncoat because he has ditched the Saltire in favour of the Union Jack. He is cowardly because he did so instead of standing by his self-claimed identity as a Scot.
The fact that he ditched his Scottish identity in order to be accepted as British shows you that you cannot be both Scottish and British. It's all very straightforward if you stop trying to delude yourself about the nature of the Union and it's effect on Scotland.
88

AJ Fife,

02/07/2008 11:39:42
Hamish#87,

What you're forgetting is that Scotland's No1 is trying to win a tennis tournament and these publicity shoots are a hinderance to his preparations! I'm pretty sure his PR man set it up and he'd just do it for a bit of peace.

If you look at the wee photie closely, it's clear Andy is letting a ripper go! That's what he thinks of the Union flag and don't forget, he's already told them to shove the Davis Cup!

89

Yeah1,

02/07/2008 11:39:59
#87

How has he ditched his Scottish identity in order to be accepted as British? I'm sure he still supports Scotland at football and thinks of himself as Scottish, its just that in tennis he is the British No.1 and therefore is representing Britain - so its perfectly understandable for him to drape himself in the British flag.

Why is it so hard for nationalists to understand that it is possible to be Scottish and proud of Scotland, but also to be British at the same time?

Personally I don't like the English rugby or football teams, but if it was a Great Britain team playing, or British athletes completing under the British flag (as will happen at the olympics) I would support them, regardless of whether they are Scottish, Welsh, English etc.
90

David Chapman,

Aberdeen 02/07/2008 11:42:33
#79: Here's an interesting intellectual exercise for you. Go through all the comments in this thread by the likes of AJ and "HEN BROON 5", and replace "English" with "Jewish" throughout. Then, tell us how many of these people you'd care to be associated with. If the answer is greater than zero, or if you are at any time tempted to say "But that's different", then you are a racist.

These are the kind of people who paint swastikas on the doors of English people resident in Scotland or put bricks through their windows, or bravely beat them up with odds of only 15 to one in their favour. (No exaggeration here - I have seen all these things done.) They are a complete disgrace to the flag and country they'd probably claim to love, if they ever stopped spewing anti-English hate slogans for long enough to do so. The sooner the Scotsman realises that they're not fit to be called Scotsmen and bans them from the site entire, the better off we'll all be.
91

Niadh,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 11:46:12
I don't know how many times people have been told this.
He is not waving the Union Jack. He is waving the Union Flag.
You can only ever find the Union Jack flying on a ship.

Besides which who is to say that the decision to fly that flag was not foisted on him.
As in "wave this flag or we cut your funding/support!"
92

Brian Hill,

Edinburgh 02/07/2008 11:50:45
Before his Gasquet victory and the now the infamous Union flag pose there was much talk about the crowd not warming to Murray and the fact that they had been much more enthusiastic for the less talented Henman. Why?

The answer can be found in the games with the even less talented Easton. The crowd showed great enthusiasm during his game. Why? Easton and Henman are English. Just another example of the 'strong, silent' English nationalism which is evident everywhere.

Our snooker stars face the same situation. England's non World Champion Stirling Moss was a household name in the UK despite Scots like Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart both winning World Championships several times between them.

Anyone who can't see that British = English = British is living with extra thick blinkers, question is why?
93 <