I could say that it was James MacFadden that kicked things off with his uncomplicated wonder goal against France two years ago but in truth sport and politics have probably been intertwined for decades.
The timing of the gallus one’s winner against the World Cup runners up in Paris was such that it was almost inevitable that it would be seized upon as SNP-ínspired. The suggestion was mostly floated with tongue squarely ín´cheek but in some quarters there was a tangible belief that sporting success (including a record haul at the Commonwealth Games) at the time was on the back of a lift in Scottish mood which in turn was on the back of the SNP winning the election in May 2007. Of course, the 1-0 defeat by Macedonia last year didn't meet with the same claim of SNP-responsibility, cheek having been turned the other way and tongue firmly removed.
Since 2007 we have had the Chris Hoy debacle where 3 gold medals qualified the man for not just Sports Perosnaltiy of the Year but the less coveted prize of Scottish independence ping pong ball, as if a cyclist’s views on Politics should have any greater relevance than your average Scot. (Although Hoy’s ability to go round and round in circles does chime with your average politican)
It is acually Chris Hoy that has made me wonder if we are on the verge of another great politicised tug-óf-war over a precious Scottish performance that gives us rare cause for cheer rather than gloom.
Chris Hoy, so recently flying under the Union Jack and even more recently knighted within the British realm, has been heavily linked to Andy Murray's recent win at Wimbledon. Indeed, from afar it sounds more like a double's match.
It may well merely amount to yet another Nationalist conspiracy theory but it's worth asking the question: If Andy Murray beats an opponent at Wimbledon, why does Sir Chris Hoy make it into so many of the headlines?
I suspect as Andy Murray races through the men's rankings the battle for his name for political ends will just getting going.
But I am sure most people would like to see Sport in the Sport's pages and Politics in the Politic's pages. Or, maybe I am getting carried away and should just take a leaf out of James MacFadden's book and stop overcomplicating things.
6 comments:
Good to see you back, Jeff.
Sport and politics have always been linked, indeed it has been suggested that the poor result of the 1979 referendum was in large part due to a loss of confidence after the hype-up and let-down of the Scotland football team in the '78 World Cup.
Umm. What he just said...
"Sport and politics have always been linked, indeed it has been suggested that the poor result of the 1979 referendum was in large part due to a loss of confidence after the hype-up and let-down of the Scotland football team in the '78 World Cup."
Yes it has, by arm chair psychologists and assorted navel gazers who puzzle over why the world doesn't think like they do, 'ninety minute nationalists' etc
I doubt it makes any difference and I think it is quite contemptous of the public to suggest otherwise.
Yep, good to see you back.
At this point, it would be churlish not to mention Simon Kupier's excellent book "Football Against The Enemy", which proves the point that sport and politics have always been linked. Go read!
As for your question, well yes he is. However, it shouldn't be forgotten how much Murray and Hoy are self made men in spite of the British system. Hoy in particular challenged the SNP to put up the money to fund Sport in Scotland. The sound of silence has been deafening.
On the 1979 issue, it is also worth adding the the entire Rangers Football team lent their support to the no campaign. Plus ca change
Thanks folks,
i'm delighted to confirm that Sweden is the oasis of beauty that it suggests it is in the postcards.
It was so healthy that my poor Scottish genes couldn't deal with and I imploded in a mess of hayfever and fruit allergies.
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