Scotland’s Sports Minister has complained that Scottish fans have been barred from waving Saltire flags at the Olympics.
The reason for the ban on the flags of non-member countries is to prevent demonstrations or propaganda. Now, while I’m sure most people would agree that the IOC has been far too draconian in its decision to ban the flag – after all, what harm does it do? – it saddens me that some fans feel the need to bring them in the first place.
The rivalry between the home nations is wonderful and each year makes the RBS 6 Nations the tournament it is. But at the Olympics we are Team GB. Equally, I would hate to see any George crosses flying in the stands.
As a cycling fan, watching Welsh cyclist Nicole Cook win an outstanding gold was the highlight of the Games so far for me and news this morning that Scot David Florence had picked up a silver in the canoeing was another high.
In 2001, some friends and I went to Australia to follow the British & Irish Lions Tour. I was equally disappointed that some Lions fans chose to wear national team shirts and drape national flags over advertising hoardings, with one moron even dangling an enormous banner which read ‘Jonny Wilkinson’s grandmother is Scottish’. I have no idea if that is true, but I would suggest if you cannot bury your differences when the home nations come together take on the world you should simply stay at home.
