Scotland fans booing NI national anthem were ‘disrespectful’: TUV

Councillor who was at game says it set tone for the rest of the match

BOOING of the Northern Ireland anthem by Scotland fans before Tuesday night’s friendly match has been branded “disrespectful” by one Belfast councillor.

Ahead of the game, audible booing from some sections of the Hampden Park crowd attempted to drown out parts of God Save The King.

During the live coverage some of Northern Ireland’s players also appeared surprised by the reaction from the crowd.

The Scotland supporters were later booing at full-time after their winless run was extended to seven games, with Conor Bradley’s first international goal the difference in a 1-0 win for the Green and White Army.

TUV deputy leader councillor Ron Mcdowell was at the match alongside his daughter.

“Respect costs nothing. The National Anthem is a banner representative of everyone in Northern Ireland and it is that which was disrespected,” he said.

‘National anthems should be shown respect at any sporting occasion’

“Having been at the match I can testify that the booing from what was not an insignificant section of Scotland fans was disrespectful and set the tone for the rest of the match.

“It is worth saying though that the boos of the Scottish fans was not restricted to the travelling fans of Northern Ireland.

“When Conor Bradley slotted his superb shot into the top corner to the adulation of the GAWA, the Scottish fans went on a boo fest against their own team for the rest of the game.

“They could learn a lot from the Green and White Army but it’s perhaps enough to say he who laughs last, laughs longest.”

DUP East Belfast MLA David Brooks called the incident “disappointing”.

“National anthems should be shown respect at any sporting occasion,” he said.

“Whilst this incident was disappointing, it will not detract from a fantastic result for Northern Ireland on the pitch, where it really matters.”

Following the match there was much debate on social media about the booing, with some criticising the Scottish supporters while others suggested the booing was to be expected.

Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Robbie Butler was among those commenting on the issue, criticising some defending the booing.

“Some regular commentators on NI X glorying the Scot supporters booing GSTK [God Save the King] at Hampden last night and commenting on who from the NI team sang the anthem or not,” the UUP MLA posted.

“Yet they can’t congratulate a fantastic young team on a brilliant result. Need to get over yourselves lads.”

After the match, Bradley said it was a dream come true to score his first international goal and hailed the “unbelievable” travelling support.

“I’m over the moon. I’ve been dreaming for quite a while about scoring my first international goal,” said Bradley.

“I don’t think in any of my dreams it was that good a goal but I’m buzzing and very happy we got the win tonight.

“It’s massive for our confidence as a team. It was a difficult campaign (Euro 2024 qualifying) the last time so for us to go out there and beat a really good Scotland team full of Premier League players was really good.

“It was brilliant that the fans were right beside me in the corner so it was quite a short distance for me to go and do a knee slide in front of them. That was special.”