Another reminder that sometimes we should just be quiet
Gary Lineker has called out what he called the “classless” fans who boo during the national anthems of opposition nations.
In a tweet, the former England international and current BBC host urged fans to refrain from doing it during the final on Sunday.
Taking to Twitter, Lineker wrote: “If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket for the final, please, please don’t boo the Italian anthem. A/it’s an absolute belter and worth listening to. B/ It’s bloody rude, disrespectful and utterly classless.”
If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket for the final, please, please don’t boo the Italian anthem. A/ It’s an absolute belter and worth listening to. B/ It’s bloody rude, disrespectful and utterly classless.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 8, 2021
The comments beneath his tweet were, as one would imagine, mixed.
“As an Italian, I can only thank you for this. But the fact is that those who boo anthems don’t do it DESPITE it’s disrespectful and rude but BECAUSE it’s disrespectful and rude,” wrote one user.
Can anyone who was at the match last night ( or any match ) explain to me why and when we started booing opposing teams national anthems ? Totally disgusting and embarrassing
— Andy63 🇬🇧❤️travelling the world (@TryingTraveller) July 8, 2021
Another, however, said: “The Italians booed the national Spanish anthem too! I’m a dual national (British and Spanish) & was shocked. That’s the thing Gary it’s not exclusive to English fans to boo! Why has no action been taken with them? #hypocrisy But I agree it’s disrespectful to boo either way!”
“Strange how no one had issues with Italy booing Spain’s anthem or Denmark booing Finlands. People only care when it’s England,” wrote another.
The FA was served with a fine from UEFA following the game against Denmark on Wednesday, though this was due to the use of a laser pen on a fan aimed at the eyes of Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
