England’s Olympics 2012 Controversy: Welsh And Scots Stay Silent During National Anthem

Everyone thought that the opening matches just before the Olympics will mark some memorable moments that could be cherished forever. Yes, there were memories, but only of anger as Scottish and Welsh members of Great Britain Team refused to sing the English National Anthem.

Scottish footballer Kim Little in her defense said that she made a personal choice not to sing it before her team’s matches because she is Scottish. She along with another player Ifeoma Dieke, stood silent as the anthem God Save The Queen was played at Britain’s opening match against New Zealand.

Image From: Wikipedia

Criticism extended to male football players also which included Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy as they did not sing the National Anthem. Their decisions are likely to cause huge offense to many fans of Team GB.

For someone from Scotland the anthem would definitely sound offensive since its fifth verse contains controversial words: ‘Rebellious Scots to crush.’ It must not take one much time to figure the rationale behind the decision of the Scottish athlete.

Furthermore the British Olympic Association earlier stated that it is important for all British athletes to ‘show respect’ to the National anthem. And that settles it well. Kim did not sing the National Anthem but did not do anything that showed as if she was disrespecting it.

Other among the criticized included Team GB Captain Ryan Giggs who had previously stated that he is Welsh and sees it ‘nothing but positive’ that he can play for Team GB as well. However, fans on different forums and Twitter were not ready to forgive him that easily.

One forum member wrote: ‘Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy not singing the national anthem of Great Britain was bang out of order! They should be honored to be there!’

Another wrote: ‘I think it’s down to the fact that they feel under pressure not to sing the national anthem, probably get slated by the taffies.’