Scottish Newspaper Sparks Outrage With Anti-England Front Page

The National, a pro-independence Scottish newspaper, has ignited outrage with a front-page article calling for Spain to defeat England in the Euros final. The article, titled “Time for Revenge!”, features an image of a Spanish footballer kicking an overweight, football-shaped England fan. It criticizes English tourists for their behavior in Spain, accusing them of “eating fried breakfasts” and “sponging off public services.”

Social media users quickly condemned the article, labeling it “embarrassing” and “horrible.” Many pointed out the irony, noting that Scottish tourists often exhibit similar behaviors when visiting Spain. The front page has been widely shared online, attracting hundreds of comments and sparking a heated debate.

The National’s provocative stance comes after Scotland’s early exit from the Euros, following defeats to Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary. The newspaper’s editorial decision appears to capitalize on the tradition among some Scottish fans of supporting any team playing against England. However, this has backfired, with critics accusing the paper of fostering division rather than encouraging healthy competition.

This incident is not the first time The National has faced backlash. Since its inception post-2014 Scottish independence referendum, it has been criticized for its strong pro-independence bias. Dubbed “McPravda” by some, the paper’s circulation figures remain modest compared to other Scottish regional newspapers.

The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of sports rivalries and the potential for media to inflame nationalistic sentiments. As the Euros final approaches, the focus shifts from football to the broader implications of such divisive rhetoric. The National’s front page serves as a reminder of the deep-seated tensions within UK politics and culture, as well as the responsibility of the media to promote unity rather than discord.