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Peter Davidson

Scottish politicians slam Scotland team for not taking the knee ahead of Euro games

Scottish politicians have slammed the national team after the team decided against taking the knee ahead of Euro 2020 games.

The SFA announced yesterday that the players will continue to fight racism in society by taking a stand before matches in the championship.

England revealed earlier this week they will continue to take the knee - despite booing from sections of the crowd when they did so ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Romania.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson said it was important for the team and the nation to continue to "tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets".

Andrew Robertson takes the knee during a Nations League match with Israel (SNS Group)

In a statement, he said: "It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.

“Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”

However, the decision not to take the knee has angered many of our elected representatives.

Labour MSP Paul Sweeney said: "Standing is not an act of solidarity in any credible sense.

"It will actually communicate a problematic message on an international stage, especially in contrast to the moral courage shown by young black players in the England squad. I hope the Scotland squad will reconsider this."

Livingston SNP MP Hannah Bardell wrote: "A disappointing and misguided decision.

"Taking the knee is very clearly the act that shows solidarity to unite against racism. Please re think and reconsider. You still have time! #BlackLivesMatter"

The SNP's deputy leader at Westminster Kirsten Oswald tweeted: "This is a mistake. Not taking the knee sends a really disappointing message from our national team. #TakeTheKnee, Scotland."

Glasgow North East SNP MP Anne McLaughlin said: "I think I will wait till I calm down before saying any more about this."

Councillor Eva Murray, Labour's depute leader in Glasgow, said: "This is really disappointing & I hope after today’s reaction that @ScotlandNT reconsider. Taking the knee sends a clear, internationally recognised message that our national team rejects racism. Scotland should join other nations in taking part in this act of solidarity."

SNP MP Angus MacNeil tweeted: "Looks like individual players will have to show the spine and the world that in Scotland we think people, who have more melanin in their skin than some others, that their lives matter too.

"What a PR disaster for the SFA, - SFA HQ should be on both knees!!!"

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