Ally McCoist backed and barracked but Rangers legend wrong to swerve Craig Brown minute’s silence disgrace – Hotline

Ally McCoist used to unite fans north of the border with his goalscoring exploits for Scotland but his criticism of supporters for booing God Save the King has created a deep divide on the Hotline.

Linda Gray emailed: “I have to agree with Ally. Like it or lump it we are all British and there are a lot of Scotland supporters who identify themselves as Irish so why are they following the Scottish national team? Flower of Scotland is not a national anthem, it is something that the Scotland supporters have adopted. I am Scottish-British and politics shouldn’t come into sport regardless of who or what team you support.”

Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: “While I agree that booing the English national anthem was wrong, I take umbrage with Ally McCoist who slammed the Scottish fans but failed to mention the English fans who sang through the minute’s silence for Craig Brown. Ally is typical of many Rangers fans who align themselves more to England than Scotland.”

Craig Wilson, Kirkintilloch, said: “Scotland fans who booed God Save The King are an utter disgrace. Imagine the uproar if that had been the Rep of Ireland anthem. It’s about time FIFA closed stadiums for booing of an anthem. Ally was right. The Tartan Army is more political than it's ever been. Spare us the ‘just banter’ line.”

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “I cannot believe that some Scots are defending their behaviour on Tuesday night. If some people think it's normal to boo any national anthem and to partake in chanting ‘Lizzie's in a Box’ I don't. You need to watch what you say now in a world where the smallest misdemeanour can land you in major trouble. It seems however that so called football fans are exempt and can abuse whoever they like.”

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