Laureate’s sea burial FOOTBALL DAFT
Scots pioneers snubbed in C4 show about women’s game on eve of England Euros clash
Fami ly members of Liu Xiaobo have scattered his ashes into the sea.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate died from cancer this week while in custody. The ceremony took place hours after his cremation.
Liu’s supporters say the move was intended by the authoritarian government to permanently erase any traces of China’s bestknown political prisoner.
Channel 4 have been accused of airbrushing Scotland out of a football documentary timed to coincide with the Women’s Euros.
The broadcaster will kick off coverage with an hour-long show – on Tuesday at 10pm – exploring the history of the women’s game.
But while host Clare Balding praises the achievements of England teams past and present, no mention is made of Scotland.
The documentar y, When Football Banned Women, will be broadcast the night before Channel 4 shows live coverage of Scotland versus England in the opening match of the Uefa tournament in the Netherlands.
Football historians said they were “disappointed” the show – made by Lambent Productions – makes no mention of Scotland’s pioneering female players or the ban imposed on the women’s game here.
Richard McBrearty, curator of the Scottish Football Museum, said: “It’s deeply disappointing and frustrating that Scottish football’s history during this period has been overlooked. This programme is going to be shown in Scotland.
“I could understand if the programme had been made for an English audience only but that’s not the case. And Scottish advertising revenues help pay for Channel 4.”
Scottish footbal l historian Stuart Gibbs added: “It’s a shame.”
Channel 4 have been promoting their coverage of the Euros with powerful posters featuring the Scottish team in their football kit and the slogan “Game changers”.
They said: “This documentary explores the ban and its impact on what was arguably Britain’s most successful team of the moment, the Dick, Kerr Ladies.”