National team? Then sing the National Anthem!

Our National Anthem has one great advantage -- it's SHORT. Much of the time a mere six bars is sufficient. Some of the others go on and on...

Opinion seems to be about equally divided, on this forum anyway! Interesting to hear different view points

nannym you are the ONE who is expressing the view of the majority.

Nannym I agree with you, shame on them letting GB down.

Don't know why that verse isn't completely binned! It reminds everyone of the bloody revenge taken by the butcher Cumberland after Culloden. Doesn't exactly help cross-border relations! That each side in that battle was made up of units from England and Scotland, Highland and Lowland, and from other nations too is a fact since faded from memory, but the song lingers on.

History shows that probably all modern nations were made of smaller units that once fought bitterly to the death. Eventually they have to sink their differences and bacome part of a greater whole.

C'mon all you Scots, join in....

'And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the Queen'

Doesn't quite gel for me, but a Replican would say that!

dorset The proportion of monarchists in Scotland is much the same as in England. It is just that the antis shout louder and are more visible.

Depends on the level of dissent, I suppose. Wanting political change in a country with massive corruption and inequality and no chance of influencing change justifies more of an international show of dissent than preferring a republic to a monarchy in a country where you can take internal action via the ballot box.

I agree, they were dignified in their quiet silence, better than interrupting the proceedings with a demonstration.

Do you know very few other countries have qualms about singing their National Anthem, in fact they are proud to. As a child in Canada we sang God Save the Queen and Oh Canada. So why can't the Scots and Welsh, given that she is your queen too you know. Sing your own anthem and the God Save the Queen which is for all the countries in the UK not just England. I'd understand if you were having to sing God Save England. If the athletes want to be part of Team GB then sing the Anthem, as whenim64 has said this is not a time for any demonstration. If there is a Team Scotland or Team Wales why aren't you playing for them, there isn't one is there? It would cost those countries far too much better we compete under the GB umbrella

I can understand anybody thinking the words of the second verse onwards are ridiculous so I think they should be ditched. The first verse is fine (if a little soppy). Nobody needs a lengthy anthem for awards ceremonies. We always giggle when anthems go on and on, sounding as though they're being made up on the spot.

I don't think that the vsiting sportsmen and women who are political dissenters in their own home countries would support the view that if you want to participate in sport at an international level you have to accept the status quo. Sometimes it is that status quo that needs to adjust to the times. As for the behaviour of those that did not want to sing, they just stayed still and quiet and were not disruptive. Political protests are usually best conducted outside the arena of international sports, but a personal decision not to sing a song whose words you cannot and do not hold true for yourself surely cannot be wrong? I support their personal decisions not to sing.

Verses 1 and 3 are not too bad - it's verse 2 that's the wrong 'un these days.
I like having a national anthem and I like the one we have. Perhaps I should duck behind the parapet but I saw enough of ducks at the opening ceremony - or perhaps they were geese

When you are working as a team, on very public display against other teams and in front of a vast audience, you put your personal and political differences on hold temporarily and all "sing from the same hymn sheet".

The national anthem is the signature tune of the whole team. If you want that changed, it is your option to work for that, but as a separate issue.

There is nothing wrong with having republican views but I think that on here you're being a bit undignified about it!! You would think that on such an important occasion as this sportspersons could behave as sports people should.

Those having to make an exhibition of themselves, in my opinion, must have low self esteem. Plus, on this occasion, they are very bad sports - whatever their beliefs.

I rather like 'ding' to the tune.......

Let's just have whatever it is 'ding-ed' to the tune of The Archers!

Jeni, your spell-correct is priceless!

Sung!

We could always have
My country tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty

Ding to the tune of God save the Queen?

Ducks even lower behind parapet!

jeni I'll join you...

Hey Jude?
Ducks hurriedly!

Hear hear Anagram.

I do think it's time we had a new National Anthem. I always feel a bit embarrassed by it...

Why does playing for a team mean they have to sing the National Anthem? Singing or not singing doesn't affect the way they play or their pride in being chosen. I'm British and have no desire to live anywhere else. If the national anthem were a song about our country then I might be tempted to join in but I don't choose to sing a prayer asking God to look after the Queen or shower her with even more wealth.