Scots "elitist" rugby heroes "don't reflect the country they represent" over taking the knee controversy
Only 4 of Scotland's 23 players "took the knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Last updated 8th Feb 2021
Scotland's superb Six Nations win over England at the weekend was sealed by players who "don't reflect the country" they're playing for, according to a Scottish solicitor and Black Lives Matter campaigner.
Four of the 23 players, Cameron Redpath, Chris Harris, Ali Price and Jonny Gray, participated in the gesture.
Taking the knee has become a pre-match ritual throughout the UK as a display of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and only a handful of athletes and footballers have voiced their discontent or opposition to it.
Scotland won 11-6 in London, the first time they've won at Twickenham, England's home stadium, since 1983.
But Aamer Anwar, a campaigner for Black Lives Matter and solicitor, reckons the historic win is over-shadowed by the "elitist" actions.
He said: "Racism remains an issue, on and off playing fields in Scotland and historically rugby is not an inclusive sport in Scotland.
"The Scottish Rugby Union has recognised the need to bring down barriers in what is recognised as an elitist sport.
"Maybe the good thing about this historic victory over England, is that our international rugby team does not reflect the Scotland they claim to represent in 2021.
"Until it does, many of us won't be using the hashtag, "As One".
"Football has seen real problems with racism, but it's also seen real attempts to tackle that in recent times.
"To be blunt, Scottish Rugby hasn't really bothered with anti-racism because it's not their problem. After all, people of colour need to be seen to be heard."
Murrayfield chiefs have now reiterated their backing for equality - but say it remains down to individual players to decide how they show that support in future.
The SRU said in a statement: "Scottish Rugby fully supports rugby's ongoing work to end discrimination and racism in our sport.
"This commitment has been expressed with a moment of reflection before every international match since the summer of 2020 and our players are free to demonstrate their support for this important issue in the way they see fit.''
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