Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend has moved to set the record straight on why some of his players failed to take the knee against England - saying they simply didn't know they were supposed to.
Townsend's team picked up a famous victory over England at Twickenham in the Six Nations, but the match was quickly the centre of controversy when images emerged of players on both sides remaining on their feet while others took the knee in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
Criticism was soon levelled at the players in question on social media, some accusing them of taking a stance against the anti-racism movement.
But Townsend says several of his players were simply unaware they were supposed to, as taking the knee is not commonplace ahead of rugby matches.
In an interview with the BBC, the Scotland head coach said: "The players didn't know. I think one of our players right close to the halfway line was wondering 'should I take a knee now, because there's players around me doing it'
"He wasn't prepared for it, and then he heard the TV production company counting down (to stand back up).
"He's going 'well I can't go down now, because it's going to end.'
"It was a strange situation and I understand why people see a photo of a lot of players not taking the knee and that's an issue for them. They're right to have their opinions.
"But it was a big surprise to us, and nothing that happened in any other game, whether it's Ireland, Wales, Italy or France or any game in the Autumn Nations that we were involved in were taking the knee.
"So rugby and the Autumn Nations and the Six Nations have declared that we will recognise that moment in our stand against racism and discrimination by putting messages on the screen."
