Murray's website deluged with anti-Scots gibes

Scottish tennis player Murray continues his match against Benneteau today at Wimbledon.

The Times June 30, 2006

Murray's website deluged with anti-Scots gibes
By Will Pavia

ANDY MURRAY, Britain’s last hope at Wimbledon, has found himself at the centre of a row over national identity and the delicate matter of England’s hopes in the World Cup.

What began with an off-hand comment during a press interview this month — that the Scottish teenager would be supporting “anyone but England” in the World Cup — occupied the Commons, the Scottish Parliament and senior government ministers yesterday.

By the afternoon Murray’s website, where he keeps a blog, had attracted more than 1,000 comments: criticism, abuse and support about his remark. One writer referred to the massacre that took place at the primary school in Dunblane, when the player was a 9-year-old pupil.

In the Commons Peter Wishart, of the Scottish National Party, called for an end to the “sickening hate mail”. Jack Straw, Leader of the House, said: “Everybody needs to have a sense of proportion in this.”

In the Scottish Parliament Nicola Sturgeon called on members to “condemn the disgraceful anti-Scottish abuse that’s been directed at Andy Murray”.

The player’s comments have revived the debate started by Jack McConnell, Scotland’s First Minister, when he said that he would not be supporting the England team.

Murray has tried to calm matters through his blog.

“Want to say that I’m not anti-English,” he has written. “I have supported Tim [Henman] the last ten years and he is English. Ricky Hatton is one of my favourite boxers and he is English. I said I think England will beat Portugal in my press conference! I made a joke I don’t mind whether England win or lose! Press blew it out of all proportion.”

Donna Nieghorn, landlady of the Crooked Billet, in Wimbledon village, said: “He made a few comments that haven’t given him the sort of support Tim had. However, we are so desperate to win that even a Scot who doesn’t like England will do.”

thetimesonline.co.uk
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Friday June 30, 2006
The Guardian

Murray: The Scotsman has yet to become popular in middle England

Englishman Tim Henman still rules the roost.

Andy Murray probably has absolutely no desire to do so, but it seems he will struggle to conquer middle England. For all the "Murraymania" of last year, the past 12 months appear to have eroded the affection Wimbledon then had for the 19-year-old Scot.

As Murray prepared to go on to Centre Court last night there was none of the buzz of anticipation that traditionally accompanies Tim Henman's appearances in SW19. Tina Freed, a marketing executive from Kent, believes the escarpment known as Henman Hill will forever be a redoubt for the Oxford-born British No3.

"It is still Henman Hill and it will remain that way, as I think it should," said Mrs Freed, whose young son Charlie wore a dozen "I've queued at Wimbledon 2006" badges like medals from a military campaign. These were the reward of 3½ patient hours spent in line.

"It would be lovely to have a British champion but whatever happens it will always be Henman Hill. It will not be Murray Mount, or whatever, next."

The Freeds are keen tennis players at the local David Lloyd club and Tina's husband Mark did suggest that her opinion might change if their son has success at the sport. "Maybe it will be known as Freed Fold," he said - but then young Charlie is English.

The more opinions were offered yesterday, the more it became apparent that Henman Hill is as English as the jugs of Pimm's and strawberries and cream on which so much sterling was spent yesterday. One girl sported a sweater bearing the legend "Tits McGhee" on the back. It might have been a clan reference, but she explained it was merely a nickname. Alex Theaker, a student at Nottingham Trent University, was most certainly English. "Last year I thought Murray was awesome," she said. "But a few things have turned me off him, some articles I've read and his attitude."

Most specifically: Murray's frivolous claim that he wants "anyone but England" to win the World Cup. Yesterday there was a committed debate about Scottish independence on the Dunblane-born teenager's weblog.

Even if Murray fails to address the 70-year-old failure of British men to win Wimbledon he must surely go down in history as the first ATP Tour player to host a website discussion about whether or not North Sea oil money makes Scotland a net contributor to the UK's economy.

"It's just jealousy," said a 26-year-old scientist, Paul Parham, of Murray's comments, having arrived on Henman Hill proudly sporting an England football shirt.

Yet though he may have alienated upwards of 50m people, Murray's own countrymen have a greater sense of affinity and the 19-year-old did have his admirers from back home yesterday.

Graeme Shaw, a 34-year-old firefighter from Glasgow, was wearing a Scotland shirt after finishing his shift as a Wimbledon steward. "I could have watched Andy on Centre Court but I chose to come here and watch it with the rest of the working classes," he said.

"I'd like to see the wee man do well. I'm right behind him and so is Scotland. There have been a few anti-English comments that have not endeared him with some people and I've read what's on his website. But, then, what does he expect? He's a young boy of 19 and he'll learn.

"If he was Welsh people would be 100% behind him. If he was Irish they'd be 100% behind him too, but because he's outspoken and he wears his Scotland armband everyone outside Scotland thinks differently."

Shaw's was one of just two saltires on show yesterday. The other belonged to two 16-year-olds, Victoria Proud and Rebecca Gillen, and their 17-year-old friend Jennifer Wylie, who play their tennis at Glasgow's Bearsden club. It was the trio's second day of supporting their compatriot.

"On Wednesday we came and we seemed to be supporting him on our own, we were the only ones clapping," said Rebecca. She and the other girls understand Murray's entrenchment: they are not supporting England in Germany, either. "I don't see why we should," added Rebecca. Scotland and England are separate nations."

And never the twain shall meet. Certainly not on Henman Hill, at any rate.

guardian.co.uk

Just one question. What does this have to do with soccer(football)?

I'm sure Murray would rather be good at tennis and win matches rather than have all that hype that surrounded failure Henman throughout the years. I'm sure he will be happy to let his results/performances speak for themselves.

As for "anti-Englishness", since when have fans ever been required to support their local rivals in football? It never happens at club level so why should it happen at international level?