(comment 83)
Jim,
Whether Scots grievances are perceived or real is immaterial in many ways. The fact is that they exist. 300 years of co-habitation has not solved the problem. As I pointed out in a previous post, anti-English attitudes in Ireland have diminished over the years of independence.
I look forward to an independent Scotland building a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship with England in the future. I maintain that this is simply not possible in a Union so dominated by one country. It's time we took responsibility for ourselves.

George @ post 45 - i agree with that about the media. The whole anti english, anti scottish sentamant is just sad.

ITS FOOTBALL ffs. Its not like YOU win anything is it? its a GAME.

I just wish everybody would think about those who have no house, no future, no life, no nothing.... those in 3rd world countrys.... have nothing, yet we have mindless ar*eholes like this in our sociaty?

The media should stop with the flaming the situ with all the stories about anti scotland and anti england - and we can maybe get along....

its people like this moron giving all scots a bad name

If that man had attacked an English adult I wouldn't have batted an eyelid. Until I moved here I was British through and through - when I moved here I had Englishness thrust upon me. The level of racism I have encountered is laughed off by many people but it hurts. The sooner everyone stops defending anti-Englishness the sooner the Scots will be able to escape their growing reputation for racism.

I'm sad to leave Edinburgh, but can't deny I'm also relieved to be leaving later this year to move back south of the border.

Alexander post 85 puts it well for me. Why should Scots who don't want to support England be Brow-beaten and made to feel like we're racist or out of order. Please show me the Neighbouring Countries in Mainland Europe who're just so delighted to see each other do well. Miranda ah'm sorry for what ah understand must have been something serious enough to make you move down to London. But again ah'm sure like this incident that happened with Hugo these are very uncommon incidents that don't reflect the norm in Scotland. Hoprfully you will come back one day and experience the good hospitality here. Ah lived down south for a number of years and experienced a number of incidents related to me being Scottish, and yes these help you form your opinions, but it won't stop me from going down south again and continuing to having good English friends.

You can happily wear a Scotland shirt in London without fear of assault and we've seen plenty of Scotland shirts so far. Good for them, too.

Bear in mind that you are about 10 times more likely to be assaulted in London than you are in Inverleith - full stop. But in London you'll probably never know the reason why.

Our attitude to this incident must not be to bustle about in a defensive strop about who started it but to address the rising tide of street violence in our cities ACROSS the UK. We have been reasonably successful in kerbing violence within football stadia. The public now have a right to expect the same level of commitment from our government towards stamping it out in our parks and shopping centres. And they can start by acting responsibly when it comes to advising the public over ALL of their own allegiances - religious, national, cultural or football. I don't expect Jack McConnell to support England, nor do we need his help we can foul up our own vain attempt to regain the trophy quite well enough thank you). But I do expect people in positions of authority to be actively engaged in disabling the aspects of society that divide our citizens; tackling sectarianism in Glasgow football, graffiti on mosques or prejudice in recruitment with equal commitment.

Respect for the views of others is something I believe all the four corners of our nation must hold dear, whether we survive as a union or continue as good neighbours.

Miranda, I am surprised by your comments as I know several people from Zimbabwe who live in Edinburgh and none have ever decribed the Scots in the terms that you have.

May I suggest that Miranda must have some kind of alterior motives for her unfair generalisations.

How sad that for such a tiny little island there are idiots both to the north and south of it who still seem to think that they have the right to harm anyone (let alone a child) because they dont like their values (and to be honest at the age of 7 how political are this kids values actually going to be!?). Racism is disgusting wherever you are from its also unfortunatley encited by the media for political and financial reasons, at times I am sick to be human (I am not patriotic as I ddn't choose to be born in this country or any other, I just was). Anyone regardless of race should be punished for these sort of crimes.

"QUOTE - Well the last time ah looked us Scots are running the whole of the UK. Tony Blair Born and educated in Scotland. Gordon Brown Scottish, Alastiar Darling Cabinet Minister Scottish, John Reid Cabinet Minister Scottish. Also when Labour first took power the four main state office were ran by Scots. PM Tony Blair, Chancellor Gordon Brown, Foreign Office Robin Cook and Home Office George Robertson - END QUOTE

If the Scots hate the English so much - why do we represent them at national level??????????? - Shows dual standards to me.

You have all got off the fact that a 7 Year old boy was assulted for wearing an England top, that is cowardly by any standards. No wonder, even though it is not actually stated, when OUR OWN ELECTED LEADER, wont support british teams. It is not the English fans that keep ranting about '66 - just the mindless media.

Miranda. Your comments are inflammatory and obviously not intended to do anything other than to "up the anti"
I have lived here for the past seven years and surely I am in a better position than you to state unequivocally that the vasrt majority of people in my city and my country are decent, caring people. There is hooliganism, racism and crime everywhere, more so in your city than in mine. I am blessed to live in a city where over a third of people do some voluntary work and where the weak and vulnerable of society are well provided and taken care of. I am a support worker and I know. In Edinburgh, people do not have to sleep rough and there is always a helping hand for those who are prepared to accept it. I am proud of my community, my city and my country. Making our Scotland "the best small country in the world" is an ongoing project. You have been grossly unfair in your comments which are totally disproportionate and unwarranted. I reject your assertion that we are all tarred with the same brush absolutely. We are decent people in the main and your comments only serve to feed in to the rabble rousing classes

You've said it all David! Twist the story, keep twisting and then say oh poor Scottish people.

Not being British, I can say I would have to agree with the comments saying Scotland is looking pretty bad as far as the anti-English sentiment is going. The Scottish peole are looking like an angry and defensive bunch I am taking a lot of this from what I read in this paper, the comments posted on articles, and my experiences in the streets seeing first hand that the unpleasantness that is out there).

Scotland should make sure they qualify next time and then they can support their own team. Also Scotland supporting T&T is laughable but good effort for trying!

In reference to Miranda's comment (35), I think it's only fair to point out that McConnell's decision to support Trinidad and Tobago hardly constitutes a racial slur on England. I don't remember him saying he was supporting T+T because they were in England's group, or that he would be supporting who ever England was playing. Presumably his comments mean he is anti-Paraguayan and anti-Swedish?
While Jack's discomfort over his politically motivated remarks hardly elicit my sympathy, my schadenfreude is tempered by the knowledge that the real target of this unseemly dragooning by the Scottish press (and other parts of the UK establishment) is not McConnell or the Scottish (Labour/Lib Dem)Executive, but the Scottish people themselves.

The media has a lot to do with this kind of attack, they have built an anti England attitude for months now. I hope this wee lad and his dad don't think this attack speaks for Edinburgh or Scotland, I feel ashamed.

Assault on English fan in Edinburgh, appeal for tickets for next game:

For an adult to strike a 7 year old is an unconscionable crime. To strike anyone over the colour of their supporter’s shirt is an ignorant crime. To combine these offences and then go on to assault the boy’s father puts the criminal beyond the pale. He has lost the right to claim he acts for Scotland, indeed, we disown him.

Anyone who can identify this scum to the police must do so. He can then be reviled and we will go someway to restore our hard earned reputation as Europe’s play hard and fair party nation.

Can someone contribute two tickets to England’s next game so that this father and son can watch their team? Unfortunately, it needs to be the next game as it is likely to be their last in this tournament unless they improve on the performances so far. Maybe Jack McConnell can gift the tickets from our embarrassed nation and BlairForce One could get them to Stuttgart for Sunday. Always assuming Cherie doesn’t need the plane to get her to the barbers.

This man uses anti englishness as an excuse for violence, and violence against a child no less. Shameful!!
I cant see it as racism as many English have Scottish grannies. I can even see many Scots kids wanting to support Beckham's team as many of them love Manchester United.

Like many Scots, i desire Scottish independence or full fiscal autonomy like Quebec or Catalonia. I still like my Irish Welsh and English relations. I just want my house to be my own and my country to be more democraticly responcible to its people.

Scotland McConnell and fitba' need wake up, Scotland's nationhood is not wrapped in a game, or flag. Typically Rangers' fans are 'unionist'. Its a little surprising that a 'unionist' would be anti english. The Tory's are even known as the 'English' party while Labour is the left of centre unionist party that has been moveing further and further right. McConnell is playing a dangerous game, his support any team but an English team stance is like many in Scotland. Again, he is a 'unionist'. But why did he have to grand stand on it? He fears a pro independence win. He knows there is a resurgance of folk in Scotland who desire independence. So he plays a game with fitba, to show is patriotism for Scotland, he has missed his goal what he has supported is hooliganism.

Lately, after the English realestate boom and the economy of Scotland doing better many English did relocate to Scotland. As with any wave of inflow (immigration, colonisation) there is some resentment. This wave of folk resettling in Scotland has increased property prices in Scotland to the point that many locals are out priced. Concern is natural but hate and Resentment isnt. Immigration is good for a country, and immigrants should be treated as a breath of fresh air.

For once in a great while Scottish population is increasing, for centuries now many Scots felt they had to leave Scotland for opportunities. Scotland is doing well with devolution,

As person born in Edinburgh, of English parents, I have to condem this attack on a child. Having said that, I have seen far more racist attacks in England than I have ever seen in Scotland.

In fact my parents have never been abused in the 40 years they have lived up here, I on the otherhand have had countless snide and downright racist comments thrown at me on the many occasions that I have been down to England purely because I have a Scottish accent.

I am a Hearts fan and would never support Hibs, I am a Scotland fan and would never support England, as a sports fan you do not support your closest rivals, is that so hard to understand.

Miranda (comment 46)
In what way have I twisted the story? There was nothing anti-English in McConnells comments. As Mark J. says, (comment 47), his remarks were, quite transparently, politically motivated and I certainly have no sympathy for him. However, that does not mean we can impugn him for the moronic actions of the knuckle-dragger in question. Nor can we shout 'racist' because he decided not to support England.

Miranda in regard to the comments about Jack MConnell supporting T & T, they do have Jason Scotland playing for them and he is used in the Irn Bru advertising campain "Support Scotland in the World Cup!" Personally that is the reason i supported them...got to claim we were represented somehow!

I would be interested to hear more about the behaviour of the boy and his father before the punching (Ross Parker). Though punching a 7 year old boy is still bang out of order.

Miranda - is your point to demonstrate that numb-skull generalisations and racism is a 2 way street?

Excellent post from George (#45).

This issue has been stoked up by the media for months - by the UK wide media and also by the local editions, and the neanderthals on both sides of the border have lapped it up. It's far more likely get people reading/watching if you say someone hates you than someone likes you and wants you to succeed - case in point being the pre World Cup pole conducted by ICM for the BBC that found that 67% of Scots supported Sven's men.

Scots back Auld Enemy while England stands divided on its national anthem - BBC Sport research

So where saturation coverage of this then?

Of course, such figures are dispised by both the pro-independence and anti-scottish brigades alike......

This thug has obviously taken Jack McConnell's words all the way. So Mr McConnell as first minister, be more careful what you say,especially about football. I would have have thought, as he is only too well aware, of the mindless morons Scotland has in football. Maybe it's because of working in Leggoland. (scottish parliament)

Go on son wear your ENGLISH shirt ,and show that coward how to behave.

What more do you need to know? Surely assault and violence are NEVER ACCEPTABLE in a civilised, law-abing society where we ought to be looking out for each other's welfare?!

I think you will find that i did say that these actions are bang out of order!! However my point being that things are usually not as black and white peole like to make out. For a start if there is some provocation it doesn't get so many people making comments.

Just to reiterate for those that may struggle to understand violence is not something that should be tolerated in any society. In any shape or form.

It's ironic how this Rangers fan can beat up a wee 7 year old for wearing a england top but will gladly sing "God Save the Queen" at ibrox!

It is refreshing to know how some Scottish people (the murmering of ther rest underneath can also be heard - take note Ross Parker) feel about England and consequently the UK as a whole.

Number 42. How you can defend such an act is totally beyond me. I'd lock you up as well, in a flash!

And McConnell can say whatever he likes, because he's not the small-minded bigit numpty going about thumping kids in the park.
The guy that did is old enough to take responsibility for his own actions, and let's have free speech please.

I want to say from abroad Japan.
Edinburgh and Aberdeen are thought to be ones of the best for sightseeing to us foreigners. i was very sad to hear what shameful deeds happened in your beautiful places. i love Scotland very much. Racial assaults are what i do not want to hear most.

"First, Miranda is absolutely right to question Jack McConnell's actions. As I wrote on Monday, he should have kept his own counsel about supporting teams. Intentional or not, his stated position was only ever likely to encourage bigotry." (Comment 59)

How far down the line should this 'code of silence' go Jim? I believe that McConnell was answering a direct question. Should he have lied? I have no doubt that if he had remained silent the reaction from the political and media establishment would have been every bit as out of proportion as it has been. It is they who have whipped up the frenzy.
Do you honestly think that Simple Jack's inane utterings had any influence on the thug who assaulted this wee lad?

Jim #60

Just a small point, GSTQ is NOT Englands national anthem; we don't have one!!. It's still Britains anthem.

As to the general point. The numbskull who attacked the 7 year old is really lower than low. But I don't think the actions of many, maybe most, Scots have helped in their public support for "anyone England is playing". Andy Murry for one springs to mind. Comments like his and Mr McConnell only fuel the anti-English feeling and idiots like the one who attacked the lad are influenced by such public sentiments.

Hope you find him and thow the book at him.

World's Falsest Fallacies. Number One:
Football unifies nations.

It comes from the top down...I think you need to have a word to Jack.

I am a serving soldier and i and many other English families in our area are sick of being targetted by your YOBS who enjoy coming to our estate to cause trouble, ie targetting parked cars with English flags, ripping down English flags from houses. We have children attending your schools, and each day I ask my children if they are getting comments at school - and lo'rn behold they are. I never realised they were so many problems between us and you. Well thanks fellow Britishers, i for one cannot wait to leave Bonny Scotland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I truly hope they catch this cretinous ned and hold him up for the public ridicule he deserves. I personally don't buy the "everyone for England" political correctness that's in the air these days. I think it's perfectly normal that Scots might prefer other teams but if they have a modicum of sportsmanship then they should take their hats off to any team that qualifies out of sheer love of the game. And healthy sporting rivalry is a long way from smacking a wee boy over the head in his new football top.

I cannot believe that this man would be as stupid to take out his anger of Scotlands football talents on a 7 year old boy. Maybe he should be abusing the Scotland Manager and coach, they are the reason were not in the World Cup in the first place. My heart goes out to the wee lad who was hurt, he's probably petrified to wear his england shirt to go out to play. How ridiculous is that - pathetic that a football thug could to this to a child. There is always one that lets us all down, this man should be arrested and asked to explain himself in front of a Court. Hopefully he'll be jailed like the rest of the idiots that think they can walk all over anyone that crosses their paths.

Whilst this individual case is very sad and it rightly and unequivocably being condemned, I hardly think it reflects badly on Scotland than it would if the case if it was reversed, it reflects badly on the individual. However such sentiment seems only likely to increase. What with the recent, massive rise in disgusting and bigotted anti-Scottish sentiment in many of the supposed UK media, from an English viewpoint. Playing Scotland and England off of one another is a dangerous road to go down, and using football as an excuse is pathetic and irresponsible. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy that will only continue to spiral and feed from itself. Whilst I believe in Scottish independence, that shouldn't be acceptable to anyone in Britain.

Bev - "Maybe he should be abusing the Scotland Manager and coach, they are the reason were not in the World Cup in the first place" - have to agree and disagree on this. Its not Walter Smiths fault as he had only been put in the possision of manager for a couple of games and then the axe came over Scotland for WC. Its down to Bertie Vauchs (cant spell his name, i know) as he couldnt organise a childrens birthday party

I was listening to the radio this morning when I heard about this mindles, senseless act against a wee lad who is out playing football with his father wearing the strip of his country. Hopefully this will not put him off wearing his England top with pride just as I wear my Scotland strip. I was in a pub in Tollcross ofr the Trinidad & Tobago game & was wearing my Scotland strip in support of our adoftive team. I was surrounded by England fans who, like myself were wearing their strips. The banter that evening was great & we all enjoyed the game. I hope this animal is caught, caged & the key lost so he has time to reflect on what he has done and plead forgiveness which he will not get. What strip this thug was wearing doesnt matter. He is one individual who has embarrassed us all as a nation. It is about time all this racisism between us & our southern neighbours was ended & both nations, who are proud of their heritage, get on together

Yeah, this is bad and very ironic that its a Rangers fan but they are a mixed up bunch. Protestants that don't go to church. Loyalist unionists that hate the English. Fans that wave the Israeli flag (against the Palestinian ones in the Celtic end) whilst seig heiling!!!

The English though are very good at fighting others and each other as we've seen. Despite the English having lots in common with the Germans they've spat on the good Deutsch hospitality by their moronic, offensive and racist behaviour. There are idiots everywhere but the imperialist and arrogant attitudes of the English seem to be evident in every sector of their society - against the Germans ("the English won two world wars"!!), Argentinians, French, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Sweden (you're boring!!)...

A sad act, but not a surprise to me. The undercurrent of anti Englishness in Scotland has been getting worse and more damaging recently.

I am English and have lived in Scotland for 15 years - I have an England shirt but always cover it up if I am out for fear of abuse (though I don't expect to be physically attacked) friendly banter is one thing but that is not all that I would get.

I met an English tourist who last week who was advised not to go out to watch an England World Cup game in Edinburgh as the chances of trouble would be high, the hotel he was staying in suggested h would be safer if he stayed there. What kind of advert is that to send out to people!?

Not directed at you Allan

This is disgusting! The person who did this is nothing but scum! Big hard man hitting a 7 year old boy! This person is a good example of why some animals eat their own young! Ensuring the process of evolution takes a step forward not backwards! I hope they catch the scumbag, personall i would like to see some poetic justice for scum like this. Perhaps get him publicly beaten by 7 year old boys waring England tops...of course the boys would need sticks to help even things out!

Regarding the comment about this not reflecting badly on us as a nation...couldn't disagree more! As soon as it is publicised in the media people start painting everyone with the same brush. It wasn't too long ago the people thought of "hooligans" when they heard the words "English football fans!"

I am a Scot who now lives in the beautiful county of Cornwall, I like to be able to keep in touch with events in my home city through the Evening News website.
Reading this article I can only say to Hugo and his mother and father that I am so sorry that in the beautiful City of Edinburgh and especially in the grounds of a well known park there is an imbecelic fool who thinks that he is the voice of Scotland and can go around hitting children and then assaulting parents who quite rightly try to protect their children.
I sincerely hope that he is caught and prosecuted with the full weight of the law and given the maximum punishment for this type of crime.
I hope the family of Hugo will not take this as a sad indictment of Scotland but rather as the ravings of one lunatic who, from what I read in this article and the comments of others is most certainly NOT a representative of Scotland, there are many very nice people in Scotland who feel ashamed of this lout and would wish the Clapshaw family only the best things for themselves!

I cannot speak for the whole of Scotland But I am sure that I speak for the majority when I say that I would like to apologise to Hugo and his parents for the disgusting treatment inflicted on them by the moron that it is my misfortune to have as a fellow countryman.
I would like to say I am shocked but I'm not, After what I have read and heard from the media in both England as well as Scotland with their anti Scottish /English comments.
I hope when caught the police charge this piece of scum with ABH, Child Abuse, Racism and any thing else they can think of to put him behind bars for as long as possible.

I have just seen the One o'Clock News about the assault on a disabled man wearing an English top.
I'm from Berwick upon Tweed but have lived in Edinburgh for the past seven years. I support Scotland in Rugby and regard myself as a "New Scot" Ordinarily I don't experience any prejudice in my daily life and I feel I am totally assimilated into the community and Scottish society. However, every time the world cup comes around I have to say things become can become very unpleasant and upsetting. I support England when they are not playing Scotland because of birth and family ties. I feel like a stranger in my own country when my compatriots support non-British teams. I can't understand where all this antipathy comes from. I think it would be a good thing for more Scots to take a holiday in England and see with what warmth and acceptance they are received for themselves. I agree that a lot of this is just hooliganism dressed up as Scottish patriotism. Scotland can be proud of itself without refernce to England. It's lack of warmth and courtesy to its neighbour - I believe a very good neighbour, will be the measure of itself and what kind of modern Scotland it wishes to be and be known for. It is a real pity that Scotland's traditional reputation for goodwill, warmth and hospitality - as Burn's said "for man to man the world o'er, shall brothers be for all that" will be lost in a tide of base bigotry and sectarian nonsense. If there is any cause for shaming and betraying the country, it is this. Not who supports who

This is going way too far now.

Being a Scot I am as disgusted as anyone else at this behaviour and am embarrased at feeling the need to once again feel the need to apologise for the racist actions of others.

Find the scum and lock him up.

Is there for honest poverty
That hangs his head, an' a' that
The coward slave, we pass him by
We dare be poor for a' that
For a' that, an' a' that
Our toil's obscure and a' that
The rank is but the guinea's stamp
The man's the gowd for a' that

What though on hamely fare we dine
Wear hoddin grey, an' a' that
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine
A man's a man, for a' that
For a' that, an' a' that
Their tinsel show an' a' that
The honest man, though e'er sae poor
Is king o' men for a' that

Ye see yon birkie ca'd a lord
Wha struts an' stares an' a' that
Tho' hundreds worship at his word
He's but a coof for a' that
For a' that, an' a' that
His ribband, star and a' that
The man o' independent mind
He looks an' laughs at a' that

A prince can mak' a belted knight
A marquise, duke, an' a' that
But an honest man's aboon his might
Gude faith, he maunna fa' that
For a' that an' a' that
Their dignities an' a' that
The pith o' sense an' pride o' worth
Are higher rank that a' that

Then let us pray that come it may
(as come it will for a' that)
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth
Shall bear the gree an' a' that
For a' that an' a' that
It's coming yet for a' that
That man to man, the world o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that

If the World Cup brings out the WORST in people, like this, perhaps it's time to discontinue this sporting event. Every year there are headlines of violence associated with the cup. When an adult attacks a 7 year old for the shirt he is wearing, that is going too far. If and when people realize it is merely sport, and only a game, then perhaps it can be reinstituted. Time to call a HUGE Time-Out on the World Cup and its fans!

"What happened is a sad indictment of Scotland."

What an incredibly ignorant, generalistic and down right racist thing for this boy's father to say. How ironic.

The appalling behaviour of this lunatic should not be deemed any more representative of the people of Scotland than the behaviour of a few thuggish England supporters is of the good people of that country. It is sad (but entirely predictable), that newspapers and politicians should use such a foul incident as a way to smear the many people in Scotland who have chosen not to support England in this World Cup. It should be borne in mind that, in a footballing context, there is no United Kingdom. We are at liberty to support anyone we care to. The establishment brow-beating over this has been quite disgraceful. I wonder if the Swedes will be in the huff because many Scots chose to support T+T?

I was born and brought up in Edinburgh all my life, but I finally relocated through choice 2 years ago as, among other things, I was tired of all the anti English feeling that there is around and the small mindedness of alot of people (although not all)

This kind of incident only makes me feel that I was right to move and the sad thing is, if Scotland is actually doing well in something the English generally have good things to say about them!

I agree Calum. This man is no more an Ambassador for Scotland than the England football 'fans' currently visiting the German cells and hospitals are Ambassadors for England. Just as the fellow-Scot who insulted my friend's red-headed 2 year old in a Glasgow park last year for her hair colour is not representing anyone with two neurons to rub together. The problem is these people do exist and until there is a serious effort to name and shame them in the same way the anti-sectarian laws are starting to be applied to other age-old senseless rivalries for the modern age then we'll get nowhere.

Terrible incident but hardly surprising. It seems some in Scotland need to grow up. Based on the carry-on coming down from Scotland since the start of the world cup I suggest they should go for greater independence and be fully self-supporting seeing as the English are all such ba**ards.

And to the Scottish people commenting, I feel sad for you. Your countrymen have let you down with their actions and sadly you are all tarred with the same brush.

Sorry Miranda, a countryMAN has let himself down and those who do not accept broad brush generalisms will understand this

One idiot like this Rangers-shirt-wearing hooligan is one too many ... ! I despise people like that and expect the book to be thrown at them when caught! To the guest of my country, I'm sorry you and your bairn were attacked by this lout and hope you see it as the minority it is. The ordinary Scot is not like that at all and we are well-kent for our hospitality to strangers in our land. Please don't let it drive you and your family away. And morons like that always get theirs one way or another!

To an extent I agree with you Miranda (and with Michael Portillo). This is a poisonous relationship and I'm sure that the dissolution of the UK would be good for all parties concerned. Scotland needs to be reconnected with the realities of the modern world and I feel that this will only be possible if we take responsibilty for ourselves. Self-reliance is the only route to maturity (as my mother used to say!).

Of course Miranda it is only ignorance that causes these racist actions and attitudes, and such ignorance is merely perpetuated by "tarring all people with the same brush". Itself a rasist attitude! Thus the cycle of rasism continues!

David, how will an independant Scotland handle it's moronic element - it won't just go away. Independence or not is not the issue at hand.

Presumming Comment No35 was directed at me...You seemed to miss the point if you wanted to take the higher ground surely the real answer would be to break that cyle?

Lucy,
(Comment 36) Why, the same way any other independent nation handles their morons!
I do believe that anti-English sentiment would diminish with independence (much as it has done in the Republic of Ireland). Whether this particular cave-dweller would be affected is a moot point. I imagine that he could turn his hand to any other prejudice that takes his fancy.

I agree with the following comment. (George No. 45). Both politicians and the media ought to give some thought to the outcome of their coments.

"The media has a lot to do with this kind of attack, they have built an anti England attitude for months now. I hope this wee lad and his dad don't think this attack speaks for Edinburgh or Scotland, I feel ashamed."

Have to agree with Lucy, this cretin deserves a public flogging before he is jailed.

find this nut & send him to an english prison!

absolutley shocking, a total and utter embarrassment to Edinburgh and Scotland. I hope the wee lad is ok and continues to wear his top.

How ironic though, "Thug in Rangers Top"

maybe somone should tell him that he is in Edinburgh and not in Glasgow!

As a Scotsman, I agree with jack mcconnell, i would love england to get beat - but only because we never hear the end of 66. Personally, i think this is awful though, this innocent 7 year old boy, who was doign no harm, not shouting any obcentiy or any anti-Scottish words, sure, he was wearing an english top but that is not a crime. Makes me sick that one a*sehole has brought shame on our country. This quote though, "after chasing the violent Rangers fan" is a bit of a tarring all us bluenoses with the same brush. Didnt have to say anything about Rangers. Still, lets hope he is caught, and done for this horrible and unnessessery crime.

I simply pointed out the irony and stupidity of the attacker with the comment above, it was not meant as an attack on Rangers FC.

Mark, re your comment

"How ironic though, "Thug in Rangers Top"

maybe somone should tell him that he is in Edinburgh and not in Glasgow!"

I am a Rangers fan, and have the new shirt, and i wear it with pride. It has nothing to do with Edinburgh or Glasgow. Its the same for the celtic supporters in the city. Same with Manchester United, chelsea, arsenal, etc... fans that are in the city, nothing to do with the city, its the team that each individual wants to wear, and i feel that if anybody wants to wear any shirt, they should be allowed to without fear of attack. Agree about the wee lad though, do hope he is ok and isnt put of with wearing the shirt in the future. All us Scots are not like that pratt in the rangers shirt though :) puts shame on Edinburgh, Scotland and Rangers FC imho.

ps, stacey, very well said.

"This thug has obviously taken Jack McConnell's words all the way." (comment 54).

How so, Ron?

Well said, David

Nor is tarring everyone with the same brush the solution

This is not the first incident Lucy.

Having read the above posts, and having observed the racist anti-english attitude of the scots for some while now - from the World Cup 7s in 1993 - to the present - it seems many of you will be happy to have 'good natured' racist banter with the english.

How will you feel if they start saying to each scot they meet:

'Punched any kids today?'

Don't worry it's just good natured banter to treat anyone from scotland as a racist child-beater. Oh come on - it's just a bit of fun!!

This incident - as you well know but clearly won't admit - is just the thin end of a VERY large wedge.

PS I personally have no time for the english either, but I can see your racism for what it is.

Many interesting and thought provoking comments. I am someone with one Scottish parent and one English parent, who has lived half their life in England and half in Scotland, and supports both England and Scotland. I have to say I have never suffered serious abuse for my Scottish half whilst in England. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my time in Scotland. I have been spat on, verbally abused, threatened and on two occasions physically assaulted, all because people either took offence at my football/rugby top, or because they found my accent to be unacceptable. Despite this, I am still proud of both my nationalities.

I am actually relieved that the media is finally picking up on this problem after brushing it under the carpet for too many years as "banter". It is racial bigotry, and admitting we have this problem has been the first step to solving it. Reading the comments of others here reinforces my view that this disease WILL be beaten.

Duncan What is it that you find funny about someone wanting to see the smaller nations win?

My what a lather you have all got into... and totally missed the point about the child who wasd assualted.
Well, as I have been variously labelled as a member of the BNP, and uneducated (''not the sharpest tool'' I shall maybe not tell you about my PHD and 4th degree I am sitting ths year) I shall have to be humble, and totally amused at your attitudes!
I find it totally incredulous that some of my fellow correspondants are still resentful and upset about battles and treaty's 300 years past. Can I suggest you move into the present? It was archaic attitudes such as yours that started the Balkan's war in the 90's.
Scotland should be seperate: Then you can pay the estimated £3.87 to deliver a second class letter to the highlands, instead of being subsidised by the rest of the country.
The same applies to electricity, gas, and telephone services etc.
The Scottish have such a massive chip on their shoulders regarding investments, business and development.
So basically... Scotland, bugger off...if you dare. We all know of course you wont, but it's a nice thought. Then we can watch a once reasonably prosperous country fall down the list of economically successful country's.
More money for the rest of the union though.... so please... go ahead... form your marching parties and scream your independance from the parapets of your medieval castles... you all live in the past anyway.

Philip Comment 136
Well oh Well for one who is supposedly so well educated your views are one of somebody far less. So incorrectly informed with all your views about electricity, gas and telephone services. Scotland has such vast natural resource that WHEN we become Independent you will see how well we flourish. Your views are one of somebody with a massive chip on your shoulder, which is quite ironic that you accuse us Scot's of having this. We Scot's are probably the most levelled headed people around.........we've got a chip on BOTH SHOULDERS.

i have read all these Scottish/Anglo posts over the last few days, and contributed a little, it`s amazing how a football tournament and brought to the surface so much resentment. I do think Mr McConnell was irresponsible with his remarks, but politicians in both countries often are nowadays. I have also noticed that much of the anti-English comments are directed to the South East, we do contribute a great deal to the UK exchequer and resent it (not only with Scotland but the rest of England too) The wc is a great party in England (hence all the flags) so why don`t you all up there let us get on with it. As for 1966 Yes we do sometimes brag but wouldn`t you?

Without wishing to get too involved in the arguments on this page, I would just like to add that as a Scot living in the South of England I have experienced similar aggression from the English for wearing a Scotland shirt. Everyone is quick to say how terrible Scotland is for this, and whilst I'd never condone such an act, it's the same in England!

Philip from London has in typical sound byte style swallowed hook line and sinker the anti Scottish rhetoric coming from all corners of little England right now,infact Philip you are way of the mark.

It is a disgrace that Scottish ministers fail to make the case for Scotland, which this year will send at least £10 billion and perhaps as much as £12 billion in oil revenues south to the London Exchequer.

That means Phil old boy each and every Scot will subsidise the rest of the UK to the tune of almost £800 a head in this coming year.

Scotland's cash gets swallowed by the high-cost of the London centred civil service, which brings an extra 15,000 jobs to that city, at a cost of £146 million to Scottish taxpayers.

And London is benefiting from an enormous £26 billion in infrastructure support for projects ranging from Crossrail to the high-cost Jubilee line.

Scotland more than pays her way in the United Kingdom. Every Scottish politician should be challenging the nonsense claims now being peddled by anti-Scottish voices south of the border.

Scotland will soar while England will do what it does best postulate on the past.

As another New Zealander living in Edinburgh, I was particularly sad about this story - to Damon and Hugo, I would especially say, "Kia Kaha! Kia Maia!"

But what does this whole story say about Great Britain as a whole and its culture of football violence? My country is as mad about rugby as Great Britain, all of it, is about football, yet it does not turn into the sort of violence for which football is notorious.

(for example, when Scotland played England at Murrayfield last and won, there was none of the football violence, just a wonderful cheery, beery, mellow relaxed attitude for all the fans - what i saw, anyway)

That`s a very interesting post Robin, where did you get those facts and figures?
We in South East are being subsidised by Scotland ?
I haven`t even heard that one from Mr Salmond or Mr McConnell

I am very sorry to hear about what happened
to this little boy. I moved north of the
border 10 years ago and have never had
a spot of bother. The vast majority of
Scots I've met are very warm people.
I feel more at home here than say the
South East of England.

I have heard a lot of anti-English
sentiment though, which shocked me when I
first arrived. Even my Scottish father in law
regularly told me at length what he disliked
about "The English", which is funny because
we get on so well. (Too well my wife says).

I was born in England and grew up there
but I never once met "The English".
Maybe "The English" are just an idea,
a bit like witches used to be,
something to put all your loathing into?
If so, I don’t think "The English" are a particularly
good idea. Scotland needs to think up a
better idea than "The English". Something
that’s just about Scotland and how brilliant
she is. It’s a chain holding people back
from being as good and as free as they can be.
Scots are as big a victim of it as English people.

I am very happy here, working on exciting
stuff that’s a good as anywhere in the world.
Even my father in law has met me half way.
As I'm from Chester he now pretends I'm Welsh!

Assuming that the retard who did this can read, I'd suggest that the Daily Record together with the Scottish editions of the Star and Sun take most of the credit with all the anti-English hatred they've stoked up ("banter" my arse) and pay to send Hugo and his family to the next England game in Germany. As for the perpetrator of this, if you care to meet me outside Frasers at 3pm this Saturday ... (sorry pal I'm older than 7 so you might want to bring your dad too!)

Incidentally, isn't it time for the whole of the Scottish media to stop all this bull about the "Auld Enemy" and wake up to the 21st century?

Well Janis you wouldn't hear that from Mr. McConnell as he is an advocate for this illegal Union we are in at the moment.

I am totally disgusted about this attack on a small child! I was born and brought up in Scotland but have lived in England for 18 years! My children have been brought up as British but with English accents. We are supposed to be going on holiday to the far north of Scotland this summer and to be perfectly honest I am scared for my children!!! My sons wanted to put an England sticker on our car in support of England in the World Cup but I couldn't let them as I was terrified it wouldn't come off and then subsequently attract problems on holiday!
My sister lives in Edinburgh and I told her of my fears and she laughed, she has the safety of living IN Scotland, if it was her children possibly at risk, would she be so dismissive???
Why is it that Edinburgh can attract people from all over the world for festivals etc in the summer and beyond and have no trouble but one small child in an England shirt can be attacked by some idiot.
A shirt is a piece of material not the cause of Scotlands traumas! Scotland obviously feels hard done by/jealous etc etc ! Why oh why has Scotland not grown up??? I left because of it's pettymindedness and so called Patriotism! Patriotism is about being proud of your country not attacking others because you feel aggrieved for something that happened centuries ago! COME ON!!!!!! Stop being so petty, these stupid, mindless "attacks" on the English have got to stop.. lots of Scots leave for the very same reason, it's madness! My dad was intensely patriotic ( he was buried in his tartan trews and jacobite shirt) but he married an English woman, and she buried him with full Scottish traditions, bagpipes the lot and if someone that patriotic, like my dad can accept such a culture change then surely the rest of Scotland can let it go!!!!
Scotland got it's independence a while ago now, it's own Parliament and they generally rule themselves why are THEY holding on to the past, yes be proud of its traditions, it's past

Diana even your own sister is laughing at you. You are so detached from Scotland now that it is laughable. Yes the Past is ths Past , and has to be learnt from. This now leads to nowadays, where the world over old unions are falling by the wayside due to the fact that people the world over no longer accept being told what to do. They want to look afetr their own Destiny. That's where the discontent grows from.

Had to come back.
Jack McConnelL.should have known better,that his comments about not supporting England,whould be misused by football morons,of which we have too many, in both Scotland & ENGLAND. I can remember English 'fans' yelling sieg heil ,and goosestepping,giving nazi salutes when playing against german teams etc.
Jim, USA said he left 35 years ago ,because of the mindless violence . That never happens in the USA?
What about the riots in Los Angeles, New Orleans, after Katrina,perpetrated by Americans against Americans when they were at rock bottom. Lotting, not getting aid through quickly etc.
As for those who have made various comments, there is racial, religous,political prejudice in ,most countries, even likes of Scandinavia , Dutch & Greeks against the Germans, Chinese against the Japanese,Moslems against non Christians. Hindus against Moslems. All need to be eradicated.
Yes Scots have too much political power in England,now, but what about the almost 300 years when English politicians had the power & made full use of it,including keeping so much of the oil revenues in England,but now happy to see the back of Scotland & the Scots, now that the oil revenues are drying up.

Ron.... you do have points about other countries and their similar problems but we (Scotland/England/Wales and Northern Ireland) and on the SAME SIDE! Do you advocate attacks on small children?
300 years ago is a long time ago, we are talking about today.. not the past!!! NOW is important, the past is to learn from!!!! Surely????

I totally agree with the comments made by others that this incident and a few others as well shouldn't of happened and I for one hope that the nutter is caught and locked up,the wee fella should be able to wear what ever football jersey he likes. If the nutjob who did this has a season ticket for Ibrox then I hope they take that off him as well. And yes,I'm a Rangers fan.
Once again sport (football in this case) and politics are being embroiled together again when they should be kept well apart,maybe Jack McConnell should of voiced his support for T & T in a more diplomatic manner,but he has a right to support whoever he wants.
Having watched most of the matches on the gogglebox and watching various reports on our news channels I do find it arrogant and biased that some news channels and I'm sure we all know which one, a certain satelite channel,had England reach the WC final before they even had kicked a ball,it's the media's obsession with England winning the cup before a match has been played that probably annoys and infuriates the majority of Scots,Welsh and Irish and unfortunately it's not confined to football. Rugby and cricket are also deemed to be sports where England can't do anything but win,the others in the tournament are there to make up the numbers. Maybe if the reporters,news readers,editors,writers etc had more respect for other nations and not be so blatently biased towards England then just possibly the anti-English sentiment in Scotland might just subside. It's not the English who are hated,it's the deference and "look down their noses,we are superior attitude" that they adopt. I do believe it was called the British Empire and not the English Empire,people from all the home nations created it not just one.
England were dead certs to beat Paraguay,demolish T & T and would end the 38 year drought of not beating Sweden,alas,it came to a bit un-glued to say the least. I'm sure all the teams in the la

No ron i for one don`t want Land of hope,,,, etc, for our National Anthem. The words are pretty much reactionary and all about going out & conquering Empires, that`s all finished. God Save the Queen should go too, most english are republican biased .

Michael
My sister wasn't laughing at me but she just couldn't see that there is a problem because she lives IN Scotland, her children have scottich accents..... she is oblivious as it does not affect her! Or maybe it is ignorant!!???
I'm not detached, I still go there, my English mother lives there, my sister, as does my family and some of my freinds! It's a beautiful place but I now see it through my childrens eyes!!!!

There is a rising tide of anti-englishness. I've seen and felt its effects over the past fifteen years. The epithet "english bastard" is in common use. I will be leaving scotland of my list of holiday destinations in future because I just don't need the hassle.

Miranda.....Shut up, as a fellow Londoner you embarrass me, you generalize too too much

Having spent the last four years working between London & Edinburgh I have seen (and been on the receiving end of) a rising tide of anti-Englishness. I've been reading the comments above and think most of you have made valid points. Where I grew up one was taught to support England and then whichever home country was playing (including Ireland). Having raised funds from colleagues in London for what are Scottish charities it was a shock to arrive in Glasgow to do the Caledonian Challenge four years ago and find the local radio stations (and most of the locals) celebrating England’s exit. I've since supported the challenge again but having recently finished working in Edinburgh again and been on the receiving end of outright bigotry for being English I will not do so in the future.

The incident with the young lad is not a one off but is the first(?) story to receive UK wide scrutiny. I agree that it is a small minority who resort to violence, but racism doesn’t necessarily have to be physical. I don't propose to pretend that everything is rosy in England but it’s time Scots start using the laws already in place to stamp this behaviour out.

Another example was a story in the Scotsman a couple of weeks ago about to youths who were in court for arson. As a sideline the story stated they were part of the Scottish Freedom Party who's goal was to drive the English out of Scotland and the cause of their behaviour. Whilst they were admittedly young, why weren't they up on racially motivated charges?

If Scotland wants independence that's fine. Just take a long hard look at yourselves and try and achieve this without making it racially motivated. History has too many examples already where misguided grievances spill into violent solutions.

In any case you never know, the English might be quite happy with their own independence. And to the poor lad who suffered the cowardly assault ask your dad to drive you over the border on Sunda

Then my appologies Miranda.

Duncan listen you're entitled to your opinion but at the end of the day you're missing the point ah'm making. Independence elevates all of this. Bitterness derives from being belittled and unfairly treated for 300 years of an illegal union. Think of it what you will, but ah take each person as they come and have many friends from all over the world including English people

You can happily wear a Scotland shirt in London without fear of assault and we've seen plenty of Scotland shirts so far. Good for them, too.

Bear in mind that you are about 10 times more likely to be assaulted in London than you are in Inverleith - full stop. But in London you'll probably never know the reason why.

Our attitude to this incident must not be to bustle about in a defensive strop about who started it but to address the rising tide of street violence in our cities ACROSS the UK. We have been reasonably successful in kerbing violence within football stadia. The public now have a right to expect the same level of commitment from our government towards stamping it out in our parks and shopping centres. And they can start by acting responsibly when it comes to advising the public over ALL of their own allegiances - religious, national, cultural or football. I don't expect Jack McConnell to support England, nor do we need his help we can foul up our own vain attempt to regain the trophy quite well enough thank you). But I do expect people in positions of authority to be actively engaged in disabling the aspects of society that divide our citizens; tackling sectarianism in Glasgow football, graffiti on mosques or prejudice in recruitment with equal commitment.

Respect for the views of others is something I believe all the four corners of our nation must hold dear, whether we survive as a union or continue as good neighbours.

Stacy fantastic post. The main issue ah have is with the lack of understanding of Scotland and the rest of the UK that English people have in general.

Being told to f**k off back to england and being spat at as I was on the way home last night wearing an england shirt is not the way I like to live, however I refuse point blank to be scared to walk down the street wearing a football shirt. I have lived in Edinburgh for four years now and there really is nowhere else in the UK I want to live but why should I be made to feel like this every time I want to support my home team. That being said I had a some nice banter with some swedish tourists on north bridge which made my night! I'm proud to be English and I'm proud to live in Scotland, I guess some morons just need to get a grip.....

Stacey (post 98).
Magnificent stuff. The voice of reason. I look forward to a neighbourly future.

good for you Liza, that is the spirit!

Thankyou for your clarification Allan

Hi Michael

I'm not saying that he should support anyone - but as political head, he should have more diplamacy.

Anyone can read between the lines of his statement.

That's fine Iron ah just don't agree with people being told you should or shouldn't support some team. We are talking about how ridiculous it is that a young kid was hit for wearing an England Top, and that he should be able to support whoever he likes. Ah just think it is completely hypocritical to then try and railroad us into having to support a country just because they're our neighbours, regardless of wheather you're Head Of Government or not you should have the samefreedom as a young kid to choose who you support if any at all.

I live in the south of england, i dont have strong feelings towards the scottish, infact anti scottish feelings never entered my head. i have a few scotts as friends, they live in the south near me and i apart from the old bit of banter there is never a bad word said to or from them.

What is it about us english that the scotts hate so much? What did we do that upset them so much that they take pleasure out of seeing us fall?

i know it isnt all scotts, but i for one will think twice b4 i bother to visit scottland again..is that what they want?

i personaly feel offended by the recent turn of events and the 1st ministers comments..what the hell did we do to deserve that kinda treatment..

i read alot of complaining about 'tarring with the same brush. It is unforunate and i symphaise, however consider this.. of course scotts are going to get tarred witht he same brush, even if they have nothing to do with it. It was a scottish ranger fan that did this, and sighted his 'rangerness' and hate for english as the reason, It is not an issolated incident. Iit 'seems' like a common trend of feelings, expecialy after the scottish 1st ministers anti-english and down right unneighbourly comments.

you can bet that there are 100's of simlar incidents that go unreported and unchecked, and therefore unnoticed.

consider that is it usefull in someways that all scottish are tarred over this. hopfully they will speak out and show thier fustration, becasue it is only by public opinion that sociaty changes and things like this become unacceptable.

something to think about.

Sorry Michael I got MrMcConnell wrong then, he does like us a little?

Aye, nice post, Stace. ;-)

Basically what you said.

I'm English and have lived in Scotland for 16 years, near Aberdeen and in Edinburgh and Stirling. I am a football fan, but I don't particularly support the England football team since I think they're a bunch of overrated, primadonna idiots (and words less complimentary), but if I did, I'm not sure I'd be confident going out in town wearing an England shirt, I must say. Which of course is a shame. I was in a pub in town the other day watching the Spain game, and as soon as Gary Lineker appeared on the big screen some people started hurling anti-English abuse; would they have done the same if I'd been sitting there in an England shirt? Probably.

That said, this incident isn't about football, or England/Scotland (which in my opinion can exist as a friendly rivalry without the need for us to support each other's teams; I completely take the point that close neighbours tend to be biggest rivals) - it's about ned culture and people thinking they can go around behaving like this. That's what needs to be addressed. Of course this reflects badly on Scotland, in the same way English hooliganism reflects badly on England - it's the same thing.

Jack McConnell's comments will doubtless have had no bearing on this moron's behaviour but I don't know why he felt the need to say anything in the first place. If it was a direct question, fair enough. If he was trying to garner SNP votes, it was an irresponsible method at best.

One thing McConnell has started is this debate in Scotland at the moment about whether you're supporting England or not. I don't suppose for one second anyone in England really cares one way or the other, and I really don't know why anyone up here thinks English fans would care anyway.

if you want to support england, go ahead, if you wana support scotland, go ahead, same with any other country in the world..... this is life... a very small life.... what is around the corner? death? who knows..... Why the hell do everybody have to argue about scotland and england? we have more pressing issues to deal with instead of twats such as the person who hit this child and all the anti scottish and anti english people....

Sorry if my post offends but tbh, im just getting pi55ed off with the whole lot of this now. cant we live in peace?!!!!

ok in addition for all the scotts guys that ask why they should have to support england in the WC.

why wouldnt you support a uk team?

i know personaly i would support any UK team that made it. I personally feel part of the UK and that is the deal.

Clearly you feel scottish and not part of the uk.

Wylie Ah keep harping on about it. The Lack of understanding of our natoin is massive factor. For example ah don't know wheather you're actually taking the piss but Scotland is Spelt with one T as is Scot's. This is just a microcosm of the problem as ah see it.

On ya Phillip

wylie - the only reason i dont support england is mainly because we, the Scottish would never hear the end of it. We are still being reminded of 1966. It was 40 years ago! I also, dont support england, not because of the fact they are english, that i coulndt care about, but because i want to see the smaller teams do well ,like equador and T&T.

Wylie...Quite right regarding the tarring with the same brush...bit like saying all English people are anti imigration because of the BNP and UKIP!

That's what ingorant people do!

Something to thing about!!!!

Wylie,

All the First Minister said was that was was going to support teams that had players who played in Scotland in them.

Why should he not say this, where does it say that he has to support England. Or is the idea of free speech only ok when it suits.

I have been to the South of England many times and have been subjected to racist remarks.

The English (including most of my family) are not lily white, and the fake indignation does not suit them.

For the record I was robbed and violently assaulted in London whilst wearing my Arsenal shirt after the match against Juve. Would it be convenient if i publically blamed Spurs fans, or Italians, or Somalians - I never saw there faces so maybe they were Rangers fans? - some people would be only too willing to support me if I decided to make some sort of capital out of it. And that fact disgusts me.

Responsible journalists dealing with the story about the Clapshaws would focus on the fact that public violence and crime are all too common in Britain.

Instead The Sun newspaper will promote the view that this incident is "Scotlands shame" and not that "Levels of violent crime are Britains shame".

Such a headline is at least as divisive and cycnical as any exhortation to support Trinidad and Tobago, potentially more so.

Meanwhile everyone with an axe to grind is out there merrily sharpening it, with never a thought for the harm they could cause.

This incident is not really about football, Scottish nationalism, racism, immigration or house prices. It's about a lack of law and order and respect for others that is endemic in our country. Will that be the central theme of some form of open discussion that leads us to consensus on how we mend our society?...fat chance. It is too good an opportunity to resist.

darren is seems odd, the football collective do my head in down south with the 66 thing, i think they are just proud and dreamers. I think however that is a 1/2 reason to not support something that you guys are in someway part of. I damn sure it would be a nice world if we could all go out and celebrate a uk win? wouldnt it? You can support who ever you want, i just dont get the reasoning. Maybe you get more stick from english in your location than i considered.

and michael im sorry im crap and spelling. It was a genuine arror, but perhaps your over sensative?

Iron let me ask you a question why oh why should Jack McConnell have to support England in the World Cup?

Wylie what club team do you support.

If your club team's oldest rival get into Europe do you support them.

Why should Scot's support England when all the English commentaters and media do is belittle the Scottish team.

The English team have some very good players and are sometimes enjoyable to watch, but all the hype and jingoism that goes with them is enough to try the patience of a saint.

It is the fact that it is a sly way of saying 'it's not that I hate (yes hate) England...it is because I am a fan of the battler'.

As I said, very funny!

Maybe at the end of the day it is the fact that we are two different countries who some people are trying desperately to keep united in some form or another. Ah for one hope in 2007 we can gain Independece and then begin a new and reinvigorated relationship on a level playing field once and for all with our neighbours. Lets try to understand each other better in the future.

ok..william your point is good. i for one dont have deep feelings about any particular football club.

i personaly would chear for any UK team that made it the euro final.

trouble is this kinda thing touches the lives of people that dont even care about football that much, kinda like me.

i chear my country im not that bothered about football on the whole, but i know i would feel good to support scotland, i know not on the same level but as if it were england, but i know 100% i wouldnt wil them to loose.

to me is seems insulting, and i dont like that, and im just being honest

Duncan you are clearly a very synical person if you can't believe someone wants to support the underdog. What exactly is your stand point on all this? You've kept fairly quiet on that front.

if a scotsman was at this point in germany supporting england in the world cup..would he be considered a traitor?

what if he was wearing an english shirt?

what if he was wearing a scotish shirt, would he be safe?

I think it's quite interesting that in Germany they are tentatively discussing whether or not it is OK to have a German flag on your car or in your window. History has dictated to them that they adopt extreme caution and self-awareness in regard to expressions of their own nationalism. How I wish we could adopt the same care and sensitivity about our English national expression.

Some England fans are bigoted and opinionated but it is not Scotland that is the focus of their attention but what happened between 1939 and 1945. Whilst that attitude persists, how can any Englishman reasonably insist that the Scots should stop moaning about what happened in the 1700's? It's all the same thing. Just as England is the auld enemy, so Germany is still our enemy (or at least a fair number of idiot supporters and journalists).

maybe what you wear does matter though. So if you want to really upset the English, our Royal Family - of german extraction - can probably supply you with the name of a fancy dress shop that does a bargain Waffen SS uniform.

As a Scotsman living in England I find myself very weary of all this nonsense about football which leads to a child and his father being assaulted by a moronic thug.

Football is only a game and if braindead cretins can get so uptight about it to the extent they have to assault others then it is not a Scottish issue or an English issue. It is an issue which affects all of us irrespective of country of origin or country of residence.

The sooner we learn to force the judiciary to lock up the dregs of society - those who attack children, muggers, rapists, etc etc - for a long time in a harsh environment the majority of us will be much better off and society might be more tolerant for those who are law-abiding and deserve some degree of safety

after reading some more i think i finaly have a little understanding.

here is my take.
so scotland has for some part felt the underdog,
and for some part feels england has some blame.

So there is resentment at england going on in the wc and scotland not?

ref the we wee lad in the england shirt. Thats why I left Scotland 35 years ago and I have never been back, mindless violence at it worst.

'i want to see the smaller teams do well ,like equador and T&T.'

This is very funny!!!! Very yellow!

For a grown man to assault a boy with an England shirt on is a despicable act perpetrated by an individual with obviously severe behavioral problems. He should be caught and be brought before the courts. I notice in the recent advertising campaign for " One Scotland " to combat racism there was no sign of any England flag. Racism towards people with a different coloured skin and people with same coloured skin but different nationality both need to be tackled. Social problems are endemic in Scotland and the country has a long way to go before this " second enlightenment " is realized.

It is a pity Miranda had a bad experience of Scotland but the truth is that the vast majority of Scots are good people who welcome others from all over the world. Indeed the Scots are famed for their hospitality. Perhaps Miranda you should take a look at yourself rather than tarring all Scots with the same brush. Some people are a little sensitive for the Scots.

When you look around the world there are dissaffected young men doing all sorts of unspeakable things to their fellow human beings. Suicide bombing, Ethnic cleansing, Torture, looting, wars. By comparison the rather mundane issues in Scotland needs to be tackled. Both the eradication of poverty and ghettos and also the education young people to take responsibitly for their actions in order to gain self respect should be a priority. If the young people of Scotland were proud of their nation ( Scotland not Britain) and able to take responsibiltiy for their own actions in order to build a better life for themselves as well as a better nation this kind of incident would not occur. Let us pray that come it may....

Um...well put Janis?

The last time I loked, Scotland was part of the UNITED KINGDOM: Made of three seperate areas with seperate identities, we all share the national flag, the Union flag.
This is made up of its seperate parts, and I am proud to wear the colours of the flag that I am identified with. As a serving soldier, I am proud to wear my national colours, including those of England, Wales, and Scotland.
When my area of the union isnt participating in a sport, I am happy and honoured to support whichever area of the union is participating.
Scotland: Grow up.
You have had the choie to seperare many times, and are too scared to break away. So, put up and shut up.
Or, of course, put democracy into action, and start a political party to seperate fully.
Though, as you cannot even build a parliament building without it falling apart about your ears, and going so over budget it seeems to be an impossibility that you could manage without London helping you along.
Beating a seven year old for wearing an England top. Pathetic!!

Philip, you tell us Scots to grow up.

Who is it that makes snide remarks about another country on national TV - English commentators

Who is it that sing "Are you Scotland in disguise" at International matches - English supporters

Who is it that throws a petulant fit when people of another country dare to not support their team - The English

And I think you will find that the United Kingdom is made up of four seperate areas, not three.

And London takes more money out of the British Economy in grants than any other area.

An office block for civil servents cost more than the whole of the Scottish Parliment

Philip nice rant! Glad to see your taking the "tarring all people with the same brush" and thus perpetuating the rasist attitudes that exist in every country...do i have to mention BNP?

David Comment 80.
Perfectly put. Great post

Ah'd just like to start by saying what a fantastic post from Mark J. Then by saying Miranda from London, ah assume you've never lived in Scotland, due to your inaccurate comments about us Scots. Which unfortunately is where problems arise from. The complete and utter self-obsevered ignorrance of many English people, not knowing anything credable about Scotland. This also reflects the problems within the Union between us. If you watch the coverage of the football up here it only highlights this. Independence Ah believe will go a long way to elevating such discontent toward our big neighbour. Only then will we be able to operate in the world as a fully fledged member and not as bit part player that consistantly gets overlooked for the benefit of the south east of England. Ah completely condem this incident with the young boy, but strongly argue against this being a national problem. Also feel strongly against politicians trying to tell me and other Scots we should support England. A good friend of mine put question to me once which clarified in my head what needs to be done. Would any person in the world accept their next door neighbour, who a house ten times the size of your, ten times the number cars, family and responsibilties. To come and take all your money and responsibilies away from you in return for being looked after. Even if there was massive surplus cash the neighbour would keep this. Ah would expect everyone to decline such an offer as this is taking your freedom away. Well unfortunately at this moment in time this is the situation Scotland finds herself. Lets hope 2007 brings us our DIGNITY back.

You're not the sharpest tool in the shed Phil. You aren't going to win anybody over by patronising them. You'll just make it worse. Remember you're talking about a mindless minority. It happens in your neck of the woods too!

Please lets not forget that this whole situation was started by one person who took it upon himself, he 25, to hit a 7 year old boy, who was only enjoying a game of football in the park with his dad. This is not nation verses nation here this is mindless thuggery by one person who has shamed us all. The Sun had the headline "Shame of Scotland." That is exactly what this animal is & as soon as he is identified he should have his picture & name plastered everywhere so people know who he is. I call upon all people of Edinburgh to find the thug & turn him into the police

Michale, you assume I am English, even British. I am not.

You are Scottish and what an advertisement for your country you are!

Neil comment 66.
Good to see that an Englishman actually relises that GSTQ, isn't your national anthem. Which is yet another example of you nation not understanding the supposed equal union we entered into in 1707. The Royal family actually has more Scottish blood than English in it too. It was the Scottish Monarchy that united the Crowns in 1603. One thing Ah am glad to see is that The English have actually discovered the the Union Flag isn't theirs either. Maybe they'll eventually do the same with GSTQ, and start playing Land of Hope & Glory which is your national anthem.

Miranda for some reason you seem to have an axe to grind. Have you spent any length of time in Scotland? Have you had personal experience in Scotland or of Scottish people that has affected you in some way or are your comments merely another form of prejudice?

Miranda maybe you'd like to spell my name correctly first of all. Yes ah do believe ah am a good advertisement for my country. Ah would really appreciate it if you said what you felt in connection with you saying what an advertisement ah am for Scotland.

Any assualt on anyone irrespective of the circumstances is to be wholly condemed and dealt as severly as is possible by the courts.
Every country, even wee ones, need to deal with bigitory,intollerance and ignorance which I suspect underlines this disgraceful assualt. This has to include racist attacks which happen daily but don't have the luxury of front page coverage of the Evening News....surely the media don't give extra weight to stories because it's white people who are the victims?
But before damning Scotland completely lets not forget that after England went out to Germany in Euro 96 there were countless incidents were people driving German cars were attacked so this sadly is not only a Scottish problem.
Finally here's me thinking that as good Europeans all of Britain would be supporting our remaining European neighbours when England get knocked out........German flags anyone?
PS intrigued by post 42 before it was removed.

Philip,
If you truly want to see democracy in action, write to your MP and demand that Scots get a free vote in an independence referendum. Nearly 300 years has passed since the Treaty of Union was enacted. The terms of the Treaty have been breached many times. Scots have NEVER had a free vote on whether we want to be part of this union. It's time that this democratic deficit was addressed.
Incidentally, why do so many English people feel offended when a Scot expresses his desire for an independent Scotland?

I know Scotland only too well...when I first came over from Zimbabwe you all gave me a warm welcome. Hence me now being in London.

Ian (comment No79) "Finally here's me thinking that as good Europeans all of Britain would be supporting our remaining European neighbours when England get knocked out........German flags anyone?"

Excellent comment!

If the thug in question is reading this forum he's no doubt having a good laugh to himself that he's got the anti-scottish and anti-english brigades fighting trading insults once again.....

Thought this was supposed to be about an idiot who hit a kid in a park.....

Well said and to the point Calum. We are all, at the end, united in one common goal. To bring the animal out from under his rock to face what he has done and to beg forgiveness. Not that he'll find much banged up in jail. He'll find what its like to be picked on by bigger guys than him.

The attacks on this 7 year old and disabled man are repulsive and will have undoubtedly left mental as well as physical scars on these two individuals as well as an undeserved scar on the image of this country.

However if we believe that the crude machinations of the first minister or the inane rambling of the tabloid press conspire to induce people to carry out these despicable acts, we might as well press for action movies to be banned as they incite people to carry out wanton acts of violence.

As for the Scots being narrow minded bigots because they aren't supporting England, well as a Dutchman, myself and the vast majority of my fellow countrymen with admit to wanting our fellow Aryans and neighbours, the Germans, to lose their games too. In light of this, if Scots are being labelled as bigots, can you please send a box of approx. 15 million labels to Queen Beatrix, c/o Royal Palace, Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Thanks

Miranda ah really do resent you encouraging Phillip with his totally inaccurate and inflammatory comments about my country. Let me try and quickly explain a few things to you two The UK is made up of Scotland, N.I, Wales and England. Britian is Scotland, Wales and England. The little story about us Scots Having had numerous occassions to decide if we want Indepedence, might surprise you to dicover that is total nonsense. It has never happened once. We once before had a Vote for Devolution and the Government of the time somehow managed to not put that into effect even though the majority of the people who voted in the 70's, Voted in favour of Devolution. Only recently documents have come to light through the Freedom of Information Act, That in the 70's The British Gov. knew that if Scotland became Independent it would have a drastic effect on the rest of The UK. Due to the fact that the North Sea Oil would be so lucrative to such a small nation like Scotland. So their responce was to lie through their teeth to us Scots for more then 30 years about the wealtthe four main h acceivable through the oil. Your next point about not being able to affectively run ourselves. Well the last time ah looked us Scots are running the whole of the UK. Tony Blair Born and educated in Scotland. Gordon Brown Scottish, Alastiar Darling Cabinet Minister Scottish, John Reid Cabinet Minister Scottish. Also when Labour first took power the four main state office were ran by Scots. PM Tony Blair, Chancellor Gordon Brown, Foreign Office Robin Cook and Home Office George Robertson. Not bad concidering we can't run ourselves supposedly.

Michael you are a good example of a 'jeez-I-am-a-hard-done-by-Scotsman-but-look-at-how-great-we-all-are-yet-still-I-am-really-bitter' person.

You are the reason I never stop at Scottish tourist attractions! I always get a rant as to how great the Scots are which leaves me thinking 'Why did they have to tell me this? I think they are okay but a bit angry...'

Miranda sorry to hear that you had a bad experience in Scotland however myself and my chinese wife have had nothing but the very warmest of welcomes here. Which is more than can be said for our experences in England! My wife was refussed service in a shop in Oxford and i myself have been called a "jock b*stard!" for waring my kilt at a wedding i attended. Which is funny as i am half english and have an english accent. The point being neither my wife or i have let the actions of a few morons affect our views of a whole nation.

Terrible incidents both of them and I hope the local community rallies round the two "victims" and shows them Scottish hospitality and kindness.That should come from Edinburgh and Aberdeen councils or residents, show the good side.

However I have a lovely Portuguese friend who lives in East London his Ford Focus had the back window smashed and red gloss paint thrown over the roof and bonnet, his crime seemed to be having a Portuguese flag however I never saw it on BBC oe heard it on the radio! he tried to get the police involved but they did not even come out to him. he is going to have to pay hundreds to get it cleaned.

Robin

I am English, although I have Scottish Heritage on my mothers side and my partner is Scottish. I don't think this attack reflects badly on Scotland in any shape or form. Idiots like this thug exist every where in the world, Scotland is no different, but it certainly doesn't reflect on the country as a whole. I support England in all sports, I also support Scotland in everything except when they play England. I actually think England would do far better at football if they had the passion and patriotism of the Scots. If a Scot or any other national was in my local wearing the shirt of his national team, he would be welcome and I hope he would wear it with pride.

Ronnie - your comment suggests Mr Clapshaw should have to accept his 7 year old son being punched for wearing a particular football shirt, or that that sort of behaviour is acceptable regardless. Is that a fair reflection of your opinion?

"If you don't like it here Mr Clapshaw you can always leave."

No Ronnie. Using racist attacks as a way to "ethnically cleanse" a country by bullying people into moving is not a very sensible road to go down. If anyone should move on, it's the racist thugs and their appeasers.

Ken (164)

You have the luxury of living thousands of miles away from Enger-land. It will be absolute hell for us Scots in the British Isles if they won. 1966 will be a blur compared to 2006.

All I've heard on the radio, tv and in the papers since the first England game is how rubbish the team are, how inept the manager is, how even more inept the next manager will be, that the selections are totally wrong because Owen/Walcott/Rooney/Hargreaves (or all!) shouldn't be there, that they have no chance whatsoever if their star striker doesn't get fit and how they will still have no chance whatsoever if he plays because he's not 100%.

Years of press coverage of assorted vegetables on various England managers torsos and publishing stories about what the manager was conned into saying to undercover reporters dressed as Arabs.

If that's 'arrogance' I'd love to see what they do when they're being negative!

Neither the lad nor his Father deserved to be assaulted in any way for God’s sake its only football, nor do they deserve some the comments above along the lines of "if you don't like it, get out" etc. I should point out that New Zealand is not Scottish Colony demanding allegiance to anti English sentiment.

As an Englishman living in Scotland for the past 9 years, I’ve been subject to plenty of banter, on the whole funny, never violent but sometimes not far off. When banter becomes bigotry then there is a problem that we all need to address this, whether directed at the English, Irish, Scots, Welsh or others.

The Union has served us well & the issue of Scots Politician’s making decisions about the UK isn’t an issue as far as I am concerned, however if a Scots majority do vote for independence then lets not descend into national stereotypes & destroy the goodwill that does exist between many English & Scots people.

Oh and before you post comments about 300 years of injustice, think about the way that working class people thought out the UK have been equally done over by those in power, lets just get on with today !

Edinburgh can be a sad and dangerous place at times...we should all just get along, whether you like it or not, they are our neighbours, and as such, we should look out for them and vice versa.

Gary.

RE: Davem, 156.

Your comments seemed mature and reasonable until your last sentance, "PS I personally have no time for the english either, but I can see your racism for what it is."

In otherwords, you, like the thug who hit this lad, are a racist.

Gary.

Hugo's Dad....... time to learn some SCOTTISH history both sporting and social.

If your son is a '' kilted Kiwi '' isn't it time you got him in touch with his roots.

You do live in Edinburgh after all.

This story is another example of shaming Scots into becoming England supporters to suit the unionist political agenda.

If you don't like it here Mr Clapshaw you can always leave.

Even though this may be the random acts of a few, there are more and more negative stories coming out of Scotland, what with knives and drugs, etc. Perhaps no group of people are perfect, but I never thought the time would come when I would be embarrased to tell people that I am Scottish. With my accent, it's hard to deny it. As far as the World Cup is concerned, I proudly support the 'British' team called England, because the Scots were unable todisplay the skill, or determination to qualify.

Clearly there are a good number of you who have never lived South of the Border when Enger-land are playing in cup finals. Try it.

Not only are the English the most arrogant and self-centered nation, there is a tidal wave of anti-Scottish comments, behaviour and attitude. Hopefully the team will be shortly following Owen home.

And as for the car flags. They can stick them with their Chariots where the sun dont shine.

Nice post, Pete.

To whoever was talking about having an England flag in their car window - there's absolutely no way I'd have an England flag in my car or house window. I've no confidence at all that either would remain unsmashed for more than a single Friday night.

But I would in no way suggest that a sober Scot would go round smashing stuff up - that's not the point. Some mob of drunken tw*ts would doubtless be responsible with "f*cking English bastards" being the "reason".

That's the issue that needs addressed - the culture of violence and criminal behaviour - not whether various parts of the UK with traditional rivalries should support each other in bloody football matches.

Here's a radical idea - just get rid of international football altogether. The vast majority of it is of a far lower standard than many national leagues anyway, and certainly far below that seen in the Champions' League.

England v Trinidad and Tobago or Scotland v Latvia, or Arsenal v Barcelona, or Milan v Madrid. Know which I'd rather watch and it doesn't involve the teams necessarily limited to players from one country.

There are trouble makers in all countries, I am a proud Aussie barracking hard for us to go as far as we can in the world cup, however if we dont get much further I would like to see England win , because come next Union world cup and Ashes series there cupboards will be bare....

Re Gary, 161

I appreciate your attempt to turn my comment to your advantage, however, I have no racist feeling for the English. In fact I have no feeling at all. I neither like them nor hate them. Like the majority of the rest of the world, I just basically don't give a toss either way. My greatest crime against the English is indifference. Something I suggest the Scots would do well to emulate. But, truth be told, the English - and your shared history - are just too important to yourselves to be treated with indifference.

However, no matter what the 'atrocities' of your English 'soccer hooligan' abroad, I have yet to hear report of one of them punching a small child for the shirt they wear. That honour, sir, must go to your country.

And I too am bemused by the eulogising over '66 and all that'. Surely if they are that good at football they'd have won it a damn sight more often?

'So many racist comments and pejorative terms on this site against the Scots coming from English individuals and English people claiming to be based in Scotland' comment 188

You don't know the backgrounds of all the people writing in...you just assume. This is a viable and necessary debate...and by the looks of it long overdue.

Surely this yob needs to be taught a lesson by a Hibs or Hearts fan who should thump him and say "This is Edinburgh not F******* Glasgow".

I agree Katie, it does come down to treating other people well and to having a bit of empathy and respect.

I'm Scots but I'd be pleased for England if they did well, just as I would be if it was the Welsh or the Irish or the Polish or whoever. (Obviously I'd be a lot more pleased if Scotland won the World Cup - in my dreams).

It shouldn't be Scotland against England or even Edinburgh against Glasgow (Kevin), it should be all the good decent folk, who think the assaults were disgusting, against all the bams who think that type of thing is ok - sadly in my dreams again

There has been always been rivalry between Scots & English, always will be,no matter how old we get,BUT,on reading the Scotsman each day, I am appalled at the change in behaviour of people living in MY EDINBURGH.Tony Blair shouild stick to worrying about Brittish troops in Afghanistan and butt out of Border Rivalry.Both htese attacks, are police matters not politicians.We have the same rivalry here EAST & WEST. and In Alberta Calgary & Edmonton. But no one would be so stupid as to wave a red flag in front of a bull,in heat of a game.(St. George's) or flaunt a top eiyh the opposition's emblems.One thing tho. when one City is knocked out of the Cup Game, we root for the one still in the game.I belive that's called Sportsmanship.I gyess with so many nationalities in every Country ands City now,and with some abnoxious people who have no values on human life,any excuse is a good one( if they need one) to cause greater animosity or rivalry. BUT Please leave NORTERN IRELAND out of problems on your home soil.The writer was correct, The Media and Politicians use incidents to their advantages and most times, more people get hurt.and the those responsible for rotten deeds get all the punlicity they crave. God Bless my Homeland and yes SCOTLAND FOREVER Margaret

There has been always been rivalry between Scots & English, always will be,no matter how old we get,BUT,on reading the Scotsman each day, I am appalled at the change in behaviour of people living in MY EDINBURGH.Tony Blair shouild stick to worrying about Brittish troops in Afghanistan and butt out of Border Rivalry.Both htese attacks, are police matters not politicians.We have the same rivalry here EAST & WEST. and In Alberta Calgary & Edmonton. But no one would be so stupid as to wave a red flag in front of a bull,in heat of a game.(St. George's) or flaunt a top eiyh the opposition's emblems.One thing tho. when one City is knocked out of the Cup Game, we root for the one still in the game.I belive that's called Sportsmanship.I gyess with so many nationalities in every Country ands City now,and with some abnoxious people who have no values on human life,any excuse is a good one( if they need one) to cause greater animosity or rivalry. BUT Please leave NORTERN IRELAND out of problems on your home soil.The writer was correct, The Media and Politicians use incidents to their advantages and most times, more people get hurt.and the those responsible for rotten deeds get all the punlicity they crave. God Bless my Homeland and yes SCOTLAND FOREVER Margaret

Hmmm, does it not - like most things - just come down to being nice and treating people like you would have them treat you?

It's really good to hear Scots say that they support England in this World Cup - that's a nice approach to take and I'm sure that all us English appreciate it. It's actually quite hurtful when some say that they would rather anyone else won. No one likes to be hated after all!

I know that if Scotland were playing (in the absence of England) then I would want Scotland to win and would be proud if they did because we are all part of the UK. I wonder how Scots who want England to lose in the World Cup would feel if we all cheered for anyone else other than Andrew Murray at Wimbledon this summer!

It would be really nice if everyone was proud to be British and we could lose the chippiness that some people seem to have.

My Scots uncle frequently visits our small town in East Anglia and displays 2 saltires of St Andrew on his car. He has never been sworn at, attacked or had his car vandalised while here. If only, I could be so confident of a similar reception in Scotland if I had the bravery or foolhardiness to display the cross of St George on my car whilst visiting him.
It really is a very sad state of affairs for those of us who have friends and relations in Scotland and have enjoyed a warm welcome in the past.

I will be visiting Scotland and going to Edinburgh on Monday. I will be wearing my England top that my wife has just bought me. I will be in Princes Street. If anyone wants to attack me they can try. I will have with me my dearest friend I was in the services with (A Scot). They will not have to deal with me they will have to deal with him.
I admire the Scots and know they are not representative of the thug that attacked this lad. I will wear my shirt not just for England, but for Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
For Britain

As a foreigner (excuse grammar) I find the Scottish mentality hard to understand (I lived in Eng and Sco). They appear to define themselves with so much passion that they are not English. This appears to me that you actually have a huge inferiority complex which comes across in your media as a distorted superiortiy complex. The English seem to define themselves against no one. They appear blissfully happy in who they are and rarely show it yet the scots are always looking back. I enjoyed my time in Sco. but found it a very negative place. The people, while friendly, seemed to have a desperation in their lives. Always complaining and blaming others. They have a new parliament, yet still complain. Why attack these innocent people? I shall not go out of my way to come back. What a shame you are.

With reference to Michael (69) I think its time you “grew up” you and others like you are giving Scotland the title of “Best small minded country” in the world. I agree with Miranda and have lived up here for the past 5 years and in general have found it cold and un-welcoming (and I’m not talking about the weather) and obsessed with “the English”. As a lot of people here aren’t ethnically Scottish, where does this attitude come from? If not from their parents it must come from the institutions, which would makes this country institutionally racist against the English.

Now that I have a young son I’m going to move back to England to make sure he doesn’t get punched by some numbty in the park that most people on this site seem to sympathise with at some level.

This country can be great only if grows up and emulates its far more successful neighbour (and I don’t mean Norway)

There needs to be a true financial incentive for a country to seek independence and Scotland has some way to go before it gets there with a huge public sector, which is financed by the English taxpayer.

As a final note on the stupid Rangers fan, rember the Butterly effect and stop flapping harder !

Comment 185
'The people, while friendly, seemed to have a desperation in their lives. Always complaining and blaming others'

The Scots pride themselves on being maligned and desperate...they wouldn't know how to be happy and I don't think they want to be happy either.

Years seem to pass for the Scots but time stands still.

So many racist comments and pejorative terms on this site against the Scots coming from English individuals and English people claiming to be based in Scotland

When the English murderers of Stephen Lawrence are put in prison then I think we will accept lectures from English contributors until then I think you all sound very hollow.

You will be most welcome in Edinburgh Mel. If I see you I will stop shake your hand and say hello

Stephen - Comment 198
I'm sorry you have not enjoyed staying here, but you cannot use the excuse of violence against your son which has not happened. You have obviously not seen the great side of the Scottish people & I find that sad. No one wishes you or your family harm, but your decision to move back to England is a personal choice. I have been born & bread in Scotland & am proud of my heritage just as you are proud to have been born in England. I have family who live in Nottingham & London & enjoy visiting & socialising. It is sad that these to individual thugs who chose to act as cowards & pick on a small boy in Edinburgh & a disabled man in Aberdeen have embarrassed Scotland as a whole. I bought the Evening News yesterday & was ashamed to read the headlines not only here but in the Sun also. However you find these types of animals everywhere & moving anywhere you will always find them unfortunately

I have been totally perplexed by this whole anti-English attitude. I was born in England to a Scottish dad and an English mum. I am English - it's where I was born, it's how I talk, yet I'm totally proud of my Scottish (Highland) heritage. I love Scotland, have been many times, and love visiting my cousins.

I was in Edinburgh on Thursday last week, and had the deeply unpleasant experience of watching the England v T&T match in a pub. I wasn't wearing an England shirt, but I was supporting England (not loudly, not obnoxiously, not disrespectfully - just enjoying the game). I was expecting banter - I enjoy it myself - but to get told to "F-off you colonial bastard" more than once absolutely shocked me. I stayed till Gerrard's goal went in, then left.

A few points I guess.

1 - there is DEFINITELY anti-English racism in England as a result of this world cup - and maybe Jack McConnell's cooments. I have never had problems before.

2 - The UK is not as "fake" as many on both sides of the border like to claim. Industrialisation brought a hell of a lot of movement, particularily from Scotland, Wales, Ireland to big the English cities. East Lowland Scots are actually more likely to be Anglo (Danish) Normans than "pure" Celts. Birmingham in England, for some reason, has a large proportion of celtic DNA outside the large Irish population there. Looking at the England team - are you telling me Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher are "Anglo-Saxon"? Sol Cambell? It's all mixed up, and always has been.

3 - Perhaps there wouldn't be any of this if Scotland fielded a few English (or Irish or Welsh or Canadian or American) born players. You only need one grandparent. Sheer numbers would mean a potentially better team, and a better chance of qualifying next time. I dare you. How that is accepted would be a good barometer I think.

4 - It's actually pathetic to cheer a team so passionately that isn

The attack on a child was appalling and has rightly been condemned. But I find it hard to believe that so may people care about nationality. If someone mentions people who live in Edinburgh, that includes me - but "Scotttish", "English" .... who cares? If I ever reach the point when I feel either proud or ashamed of my nationality (which, like most people, I neither chose not achieved), I think I should be put down as it will indicate that I've lost all reason!

And Philip, the 4 degrees and PhD you boast about indicate that you must be very rich - perhaps you could use some of your wealth to get tutoring in spelling and puncutation?

Would this have happened if Scotland had qualified for the World Cup in the first place?

Well said John. I will be adding my support to our English neighbours & hope they go on to make the whole of Great Britain proud

Oh dear "Philip" you are really showing your ture intellegence now aren't you! Simply pathetic! As for my anger...no such thing from my side...again you should read more carefully running off at the keyboard! As for the anti gay feeling that a personal comment is it? Like i said Pathetic!
Where are you getting your Phd? The back of a cornflakes packet?

Anyhoo...it is sad to say that this thread started out with everyone agreeing that this sort of behavour (attacking a 7 year old boy for those who have clearly forgoten) is outrageous and unacceptable as degenerated into forum for the ignorant and bigoted (from all sides of the equation). Sad very sad! As comment now 84 said that thug must be laughing to himself seeing all the resentment he has stirred up!

In fact anti-English stuff has been going on for years in Scotland, .During WWII English soldiers where sometimes refused service in shops and bars.
In radio sports talk shows here in England I've heard a fair few Scots calling in saying they hope Tim Henman gets beat regardless of who he is playing because is English.As PG Wodehouse said many years ago "It is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine."

Allan... sorry to out you mate. Its ok to be gay... you dont have to be so defensive!
Quentin...180. Quentin / 3:06am 22 Jun 2006 :..........//
Phillip comparing this with the Balkans is a little on the dramatic side, don't you think? The thought of the likes of you keeping us Scots safe from the Koreans scares the s**t out of me. Still, as you said, at least you are paying for it.)...........// The Slavic countries started out with the apparent mutual distrust that is being shown here, so I stand by my comments.And dont be afraid by 'people like me looking after you in a military sense'. As your not able/brave/willing etc to stand up and join in the defence of this glorious free speaking country of ours, it means that indeed you must put up with your superiors in the forces.

Finally Ron and Adam: Ron, I totally agree and then some about 'that woman'. She laid a lot of the field of disagreements that we all seem to be reaping here at the moment.
And Adam, very true indeed. It;s nice to read and remember quotes at 4am.
And, having absorbed Ron's post fully and shown it to the rest of the pod we have agreed that enough time has been passed in the hapless task of educating Scot's like the seminal Allan etc that we have to live in peace and harmony.
Enforced, of course, by the members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Looking after the scots. As you do......

As I said in a post earlier what happened to that wee boy should never of happened. A sad day for Scotland indeed,but it was the action of one idiot who will no doubt be caught because some person will find out or hear about who committed the attack and give a wee nod to the boys /girls in blue who are members of the local constabulary,not everyone north of the border condones what happened.
No doubt the idiot who carried out the assault blames the English for all the woes of the Scottish nation from the year dot and thinks he is putting all the wrong-doings right. Having been on the receiving end of abuse from numptys south of the border I know the feeling well. Anti Scottish sentiment in the south was up and running long before anti-English sentiment in the north even got off the ground. Scotland is a country in it's own right as is England,but up here England is treated as a country,Scotland on the other hand has been treated as one of Englands northern counties. The Scots will do as we say. It's only in very recent years that Scotland has being treated with equality, "That woman" imposed the poll tax on us and treated Scotland with disdain and indifference and then wondered why no one north of the border would vote for her. Scotland bore the brunt of a government that was in power but wasn't elected by our country.
To be fair it wasn't just north of the border who was treated shabbily by a Westminster government. Independence for Newcastle and Tyneside was wanted by the Geordies and the United Soviet Socialist Republic of North Yorkshire weren't enamoured by the elected government who were in power at that time. When our friends South of the Watford gap realise that we are a nation with our own identity,culture,thinking,etc and are treated accordingly then maybe we can get along as trading partners,friendly neighbours and supporting each other in times of crisis.
I've met English people who would never support Scotland i

Sadly there are brain dead morons in every country, although it's fair to say that the bar level of depravity seems to be continuously lowered by the Brits.

This was obviously a mentally sick, violent individual, and his attack on a 7 year old boy "justified" (in his own mind) by the fact that the boy was wearing an England strip is just his excuse to carry out a violent attack.
These people ENJOY violence, and will use any half-arsed excuse to carry it out.
I don't think this boils down to "the scots are violent" or "all Rangers fans are scum" or whatever bracket people are trying to put this incident in. I don't think this savage individual DESERVES to spark a debate which suggests there is inherent racism in Scotland, there isn't - there is, however, a huge amount of violent, jobless, ignorant, savages though. As there is in any big city. These people are marginalised, hopeless, often jobless, uneducated, and really the opposite of the globe trotting, successful father and his affluent family - the victims in this horrific case.
As the divide between rich and poor grows, and less people share more wealth, we'll continue to see the gradual implosion of our society and we can all expect the monstrosity of these incidents to increase.
I now live in a country where people are cared for, housed, etc etc, and - quel surpris - violent incidents are few and far between. I've never - ever - walked down a main street in Sweden in the wee small hours and felt threatened. Can you say that about Lothian Road? Or any high street in any UK city?
I reiterate - we don't have a racism problem in the UK. Alas, if only it were that simple. What we have is a major society problem stemming from the haves and the have nots.

Now I know how wars get started. And why they go on....and on....and on.

I think we have now discovered from these two senseless attacks on two innocent people that the problem with racism runs far deeper. However these two thugs need to be caught charged & locked away where they can not do any more harm. There have been a few constructive comments, but betwen the comments from Scottish & English people on here there is a lot of narrow mindedness. I am calling on us all to find the animals who have caused all this trouble not only in Britain but now in New Zealand, & tuirn them into the police. Lets all work together to get these two pieces of S**t off our streets

Phillip, it's way past your bed time old boy. Go catch up on some sleep. Perhaps have a wee dram to take your mind off things.

Let's hope the young lad who was assaulted doesn't read this thread. What he needs is some reassurance that the majority of Scots get along fine with the majority of English and vice versa. I think standing together against this racist behavior is far more important than bickering about the Union Treaty of 1707 and other controversial Scottish/Anglo matters.

Quentin: Would be good advice but I am on duty until 08.00hrs. Korea and al that malarky. Unfortunately I cannot have a 'wee dram' either. Someone has to keep all you Scot's safe. oh.. and pay for it... that's an interesting point isnt it?

And Allan... why th sudden change to pseudo camp slang, by calling me Philly?
You fancy a real man in uniform do you?
Having read some of your previous posts I can well believe it mate!
Good luck and stay safe; Like the random but vicious attack on the small lad, there is a lot of anti gay feeling out there too. I now understand where your anger comes from!
Anyway..... as i have said all along, this is just like the Balkans a few years ago.

Post # 147. Michael, Edinburgh / 7:42pm 21 Jun 2006 '''Well Janis you wouldn't hear that from Mr. McConnell as he is an advocate for this illegal Union we are in at the moment'''

I think this sums up everything nicely.
My father is from Stirling, and served in a Scottish Regiment until his retirement. My mother is English.
I live in the United Kingdom.... nte the words there... and I am proud to support any part of the union that makes a success in sport.
So far we have had twaddle about Scotland supporting the south east to the tune of £840 pounds per person... a statement made by an obviously delirious man... and in addtion we have had comments as to the unfairness... boo-hoo of the London cross-rail and underground developments.
Well...if your 'nation' is so wealthy >sniggers disbelieveingly< then maybe build your own... using some of the vast resources you are supposingly pouring into the lap of every sassenach in the south east? Mmmm?
Ahh... right. Ok... you made a mistake. No worries, this thread has been full of them. Mainly by plainly racist 'scots' who are so proud of their traditions they still happily trot out historical facts as current affairs, and mistaken arithmatic for the dwindling income of the Scottish... hence the United Kingdom's...oil and gas reserves.
So... you want to seperate from the Kingdom, beg a small pittance from the E.U., a fact no one has mentioned yet; not surpringly when you consider the Scottish position... and still think your all grown up enough to run your own small commune.
Excuse my laughing, however I shall await the next spewing of no doubt whisky filled vitriol with anticipation.
As I said earlier, this is exactly how the Balkan's kicked off.
But, please, carry on: Reading your posts is to me proof indeed that 'Ignorance is bliss'.. in this case to the English reader :-)

Philly...first up i am very impressed that you have to show your educational credentials here, what an intellegent man you must be, but i think you will find that no-one has said you were a member of the BNP! But mentioned the BNP as an example that rasism exists in every country...guess you still have a lot of learning to do...back to the books then!!

Secondly...your final statment "whisky filled vitriol" just prove that prejudise exists in every society...so long as people exist so will ignorance, fear born form that and thus racism.

Phillip comparing this with the Balkans is a little on the dramatic side, don't you think? The thought of the likes of you keeping us Scots safe from the Koreans scares the s**t out of me. Still, as you said, at least you are paying for it.

Philip, interesting that you have to resort to personal attacks! Gee i wish i was blessed with your wisdom!! Incidently...when did i say we shouldn't live in peace and harmony...ironic that a man form the armed forces should make that statement...a hired thug after all! Again you should try reading...that's when you use your eyes and absorbe the words written down. You may need some help trying to understand them.

Fingers crossed you don't work for the intellegence services...lord help us all!

The news of the assault on the little kilted kiwi boy has made the news in New Zealand. It is no different here. The newly appointed captain of the All Blacks (Richie McCaw) announced in his inaugural interview that he doesn't care who wins the World Cup as long as it is not England. Sadly both the thug in Edinburgh and Richie support and play for teams that lose. Rangers have a pretty empty cupboard and the All Blacks only won the Rugby World Cup once. That was 20 years ago and played guess where - in New Zealand? This is the behaviour of bad losers!

Wayne, I thought the man attacked in Aberdeen was disabled and usually in a wheelchair - that's how it was reported. Therefore, I would imagine he was quite defenceless too - so I can understand why it made the news.
Not very nice, either, really!

P.S. Dan i wish England well for the remainder of the World Cup. But i still want Brasil to win!!! I just love samba football how can you not? May we meet in the semi-final!!

My point is...all the English want to do is support their team. Flying flags, getting over excited, doesn't nake us anti-Scots. It just makes us naive if we really think we can beat Argentina the way that we (and they) are playing. Can't we just enjoy it while it lasts without having to defend ourselves for the fact?

Cheers Jake,

There is of course money in England, but there's also a fair but in Scotland! We are after all both developed nations in western Europe. I reckon my standard of living is way worse in London than someone on my equivalent salary in Glasgow. But you make a fair point. Thanks for the vote of good luck. I think it's safe to say we will need it.

I hope Scotland manage to get into the Euros, I really do.

I read yesterday (in Freakonomics) that the Ku Klux Klan was thus named from the Greek word for circle of friends and CLAN. Why? because the founders were scots-american. Amongst the major slave owners in Alabama and the rest of the deep south, a large proportion were Scots. Of course many many were English, but the "holier than thou" attitude to History is starting to annoy me. The English are such b*&^rds etc etc. Culloden? There were more Scots fighting for the King than the Jacobites (I believe).

And to Jake - thanks for your points. Can I just add that "England" isn't where the money is (have you ever been to any sink estates in Manchester, Newcastle, especially London?) The square mile is where the money is, and 99.9% of the English have got as much chance of seeing any of it as flying to the moon.

Dan (213) Your point about the KKK is shamefully correct, it was i believe it was Scots/Irish who started it as a way to protect themselves against Dutch agression (i could be wrong). The burning of the cross was a way highlanders used to gather the clans together and thus it was taken to the USA. Scots did have a hand in starting it but southern Americans took it and ran with it! Incidently the "holier than thou" attitude as Simon (212) has pointed out is from all sides!

RE: There being no money in England...you're kind of splitting hairs there...my point was that finance for the empire, as it was at the time of slavery, mainly came from England! Again small points each one but just helps to clarify the situation!

Dan, cheers for the hoping scotland get to the Euros...personally i think we have a snowball's chance in hell! But who knows, maybe miracles can happen!

There seems to be a whole lot of mud slinging from people wanting to sound selfrightous, saying Scots are racist etc. Well you tell me of a country that is free of racism and i will ask you to check your heart beat as you may have already died and gone to heaven.
Scotland does have race problems, so does England (BNP/UKIP, Stephen Lawrence killing etc), Australia (One Nation Party, the lost generations of Aboriginal peoples), Zimbabwe (Robert Magabe), France (Musilm roits)...the list goes on and on, so before start getting on their high horse they should also think about the state of their own house.
Racism is a taught thing and it is up to people in every country to understand that and start to re-educate themselves then educate their own children etc. Someone said ignorance is bliss, ignorance is the root of the problem! There is afterall only one race...the human race! Accept that and grow up!

RE: Jack McConnell simply isn't very bright at all! Saying he'd support Equador against England. Always thought the man to be a slimey bottom feeder. However we do live in a democracy so he has the right to support any team he wishes (as does the little boy). For my part i always support Brasil after Scotland but then i am a glory hunter! By the way Chris from Sydney, congrats to Australia reaching the next round, one stage better than we every did!

P.S. Philip, you seem to have the mental maturity of a 7 year old so when did you begin your studies for your 4 degrees & Phd, inside your mothers womb?! As for telling people they are gay, i agree with Allan pathetic, what does someone's sexuality have to do with this anyway? Furtehrmore it is well known that people who make comments about other's sexuality usually have problems dealing with their own latent sexuality. And to boot you are a member of the armed forces one very male dominated employer. Seems you must enjoy the "company" of other men a lot! Very Brokeback Mountain!!

I think it thoroughly atrocious that a young child be assaulted just because he wore an England team shirt, espicially by an adult.
With regards the English fan in Aberdeen, why was it necessary for him to go to the media ?. I would say there are far worse assaults happening in the city on any Friday or Saturday night & I doubt any of them get front page news coverage.
I really don't think it warranted such attention, when there are so many other important issues ongoing.I think a lot of folk may well have reported the incident to the police of being assaulted but it's a big jump from that to going to the media & calling it a racist attack.
There's too much attention seeking nowadays from all quarters, I'd say get a grip & get on with life.

who the hell do these guys think they are going around bashing ppl with an english jersey on? they should be ashamed of them selves especially the guy who hit the 7 year...everyone has a choice of there own who they can support...if the kid goes for england he goes for england doesnt mean u can go up to him and hit him bloody wanker nehoos im not really a soccer fan but i support manchester united. shame shame violant free world cup and this scottish guy had to start sumthing well u cant blame the scots there like irish drinking is there life. lets just hope nthn like this appens again

I've been a regular visitor to Scotland for decades, both as an academic and for holidays to visit family. I agree with others on this site who have noticed anti-English sentiment growing over the last decade, although it has always been present. At least one of my children encounters this on every visit, from adults or other kids, and it is no longer trivial banter. To give only one recent example, a newly appointed mathematics professor at Edinburgh, who is an American moving from a university in England, was advised that his children would fit in much better once they had lost their English accents -- the advice was given in earnest, almost as a warning. I used to support the Union, but there's really little point now, is there?

I think you are right, James (226). The football aspect is just the occasion for the incident. The basis for the incident itself is clearly racist - nothing more, nothing less. And it is disturbing the number of people who seem to want to make excuses for it.

If the incident had happened in London say, to a non-white child in a park, there'd be uproar and it would be a 'hate-crime' getting the full media and high-level police attention such crimes get.

If the English started chucking bricks through the windows of cars with the scots flag on it, just because they're scottish, how would you scots feel?
Would English racism be wrong but yours OK?

I think there are far too many comments on here condemning the world cup and football. I think that it is wrong for this to be reported as an act of football hooliganism because to me it doesn't sound like that. It smacks purely of racism. It just so happens that the incident was sparked because the young boy was wearing an England shirt which attracted the thug's attention. I lived in scotland for a great many years and whilst I know it's not true of all Scots I know there to be a large amount of anti-english feeling particularly in areas like Angus where I used to live. It's too easy to sweep both of these stories under the carpet as mindless football related violence and ignore the bigger picture. Whilst in Scotland and suffering racist abuse both verbal and physical for being english I witnessed this shameful ignorance to the problem. People just want to pretend it isn't happening. This should be reported as an act of racism instead of an act of hooligansim. If it had been the other way round that's exactly how it would be seen.

I read I think in the P&J that he was 'registered disabled' not that this matters.This story's a distraction,Tony Blair & his cronies should be more appalled ,horrified etc at the carnage ongoing in Iraq where hundreds die every day & there's countless suffering in the country's hospitals.
We all know how 'outraged' we are in this country when there's a few deaths, we should think of those poor souls suffering elsewhere on this planet.

I'm in Scotland for a family get-together, I stopped at Hawick to fill up yesterday and was told by the cashier that I was 'asking for trouble' having a magnetic St. Georges cross on the back of my car.
My 5 year old son had his England top on and when she saw this we were told that 'kids have been beaten up for wearing them' We knew nothing of this as we'd been travelling all day. This makes us very nervous as my boy only brought 3 shirts with him, 2 are football related.
Earlier on during the World Cup when England scraped past Paraguay 1-0, the Scottish lad in our village strode into our sports club, in his blue Scottish rugby shirt to watch the football on the big screen among a horde of us English fans, we gave him a round of applause, a beer and a seat, known him for years, don't hate him. All we need to do is calm down and show each other a little respect for our views and lock the mindless racist idiots up.
By the way, I thought Rangers fans were supposed to be proud of the Union Flag or have I got it wrong.
Bye

Kate (Comment 205) i totally agree...people should treat others the way they would like to be treated. Perhaps this yob that carried out this act did and will get his just reward!

Dan (Comment 200) good points but i would like to point out that even though Scots were responsible for the administration of plantations (point 5) they were more often or not owned by the English. As has been pointed out on this thread time and again England is where the money is! But of course they (scots) were thus responsible for some of the horrors that no doubt took place.
That said a number of Scots were also instrumental in the abolishion of slavery and inspired former slaves in the USA to stand up for their rights. One James Douglas, for example, springs to mind who insidently traveled to England and Scotland after his freedom and found that both countries treated him far better than the USA even though he was a free man. He does however have a soft spot of Scotland especially the works of Burns. Small points but history should be viewed as a whole not just a fraction.

And to Chris (208) good point badly made, shame that you resorted to racial stereotypes saying about the Scots and Irish "drinking is their life". I found a lot of that in Australia when i was there!! And was told on numerous occasions "to get back to the lock" or loch (i had to correct them on this point)! But i still have a strong affection for Aussies and Australia. No point in letting the morons infulence your opinions if you do then they have won!

P.S. Does nobody see the funny side of supporting T & T just because they have Jason Scotland playing for them? We grab any tenuous link to say we are represented in the World Cup. Personnally i think it is very funny. As Irn Bru said "Support Scotland in the World Cup". Their Scotland team photo made me laugh!

Well I've read a few of the articles relating to the Aberdeen assault(online) & I never read he was 'usually in a wheelchair'.
I'm still curious how the media got hold of this story, I see he's traumatised now, as I've commented on another site I myself was the victim of an assault last year, I ended up in hospital & had 9 stitches put into my head after an attack(unprovoked),most people have to get on with their lives.

I saw the story on Reporting Scotland and they said he was disabled.
Mind you, if anyone can spin a story it's the media.

I have just read about the Clapshaws whose family are my neighbours and i could not believe that something so violent could happen to such a young child. All countries have there problems but i have yet to see or hear of this in our great country.Let us hope you catch the coward and put him away or let us feed him to the ALL BLACKS

Dear Dave 226 here is one youmust have missed! Perhaps it might quieten down the ranting now please.

This happened on the 13th June but seems to have been mislaid by the major English media

'FOOTIE ROW' SCOT STABBED TO DEATH
WORLD CUP LATEST Man held after 'Rab C knifed on street
By Lee-Ann Fullerton

A SCOT has died in England after being stabbed in a row over football.

Robert Whiteford - known as Rab C because of his Glaswegian accent - died after a fight on Friday, hours before England kicked off their World Cup campaign.

The dad-of-two was stabbed in the chest and heard screaming for help before he collapsed in front of shocked witnesses. He died later in hospital.

Locals in Barnstaple, Devon, said the fight had followed an argument about football.

A 36-year-old man was arrested by armed Devon and Cornwall police on Saturday night and is being quizzed by detectives.

Last night Robert's sister Denise said: "It's awful for my mum and dad. He was their only son. He will be missed by everyone.

"Rab was well respected and well liked.

"He was loud and friendly and was always laughing and cracking jokes.

"I'm glad to have known him. I'm glad we spent the time that we did together."

Robert, 41, moved to Barnstaple from Glasgow 15 years ago to be closer to his dad.

He had two teenage children, was also a grandfather, and "like a father" to his partner Sandi's three kids.

She left a message with flowers at the scene saying: "I never wanted to let you go but now I have to. I have to miss you for the rest of my life."

Paul, 235: "Self-rightousness is merely a play for power."

As you have so ably demonstrated ;o)

"Dear Dave 226 here is one youmust have missed! Perhaps it might quieten down the ranting now please."

I'm certainly not ranting as you try to suggest, just trying to get to the heart of the matter, where your posts are clearly trying to misdirect attention away from what you find too unpalatable to face.

But let me put it back on topic: How do the scots now feel if the english are to post with the attitude of 'Serves him ****ing right, he's in England not scotland!"

Was he a small child? Was the small child arguing about football?

I'm sorry, but this whole thread and story has just served to highlight the evident racism which is widespread in scottish society against the english. That's the point and the problem which needs to be addressed.

It's irrelevant that there may be racism in Outer Mongolia, or anywhere else for that matter. The childish pout of 'well, you did it first' is just pathetic.

Till the underlying problem is faced then people, including small children, are not safe in your country due to the racist attitude it holds. Clearly, not everyone, but enough hold that attitude.

My deepest sympathies to the family of the dead guy.

Dave (234) "It's irrelevant that there may be racism in Outer Mongolia, or anywhere else for that matter." - you make the point yourself about your own and every country in the world, "Till the underlying problem is faced then people, including small children, are not safe in your country due to the racist attitude it holds. Clearly, not everyone, but enough hold that attitude."

My is it that the vast mayority of people here are happy to sling mud at the other and claim they are whiter than white!? I thought that was for the playground. Come on now kids if you want to throw mud make sure your own cloths are spotless first.

Yes there are racists in Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, france, Germany Holland...every dam country in the world.

Dave the truely pathetic part is not the "you did it first" part it is the not having the balls to put your hands up and say "we have these problems to so why don't we ALL try and sort it out!"

Self-rightousness is merely a play for power.

Unlike you Richard I would have been quite happy for New Zealand to make the world cup finals if only you were good enough. but allas it was not to be.better luck next time now that you wii not be trodden on by your stupid neighbour.

Such irony. The 7yr old kid is a Kiwi. Like Scotland, New Zealand did not make it to the World Cup. Like Scotland our loud bragging neighbour (in our case: Australia) did. That stupid oaf should have been sympathising with our 7 yr old, not bashing him!

I as a proud scot am disgusted and appalled by any racist behaviour but against a seven year old and a disabled man for wearing a shirt of any discriptioni is beyond my comprehention. Please SCOTLAND forget this bigoted past and wake up and smell the coffee. Be proud of your own heritage and respect others as you would like them to respect yours. thank you for a terrific website that keeps me informed of my heritage. go Scotland in four years time.

Unlike you Richard I would have been quite happy for New Zealand to make the world cup finals if only you were good enough. but allas it was not to be.better luck next time now that you wii not be trodden on by your stupid neighbour.

on the conratry Dave...personally i couldn't give a monkeys! And have in the past put my hands up when asked about the scotland/england thing. I am well ware of my own faults...are you? I hope so!

I see Winston Smith is alive and working for The Scotsman, as my previous 2 posts on this subject have been censored.

We are at war with East Asia, we have always been at war with East Asia !

im sure this idiot does not represent the majority of people living in scotland,having a bit of banter is one thing but to assault a child for wearing a england shirt,well words fail

212 Simon writes "Scotland does have race problems, so does England"

That's certainly true, but consider the numbers involved. Britain's black and minority ethnic population was estimated at 4.6 million in 2001, the vast majority of whom live in England -- in other words, the non-white population of England is not much less than the total population of Scotland. Scotland's non-white population is, by comparison, tiny, and yet Scotland even has problems dealing with white English immigrants. When the size of the migrant population is taken into account, Scotland is _much_ less welcoming than England.