Latest news with #FlowerofScotland
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Police slammed over daft hate crimes including trans woman banned from ladies loo & man singing Scots song in England
The bizarre cases were among at least 6,300 non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) recorded in 2024 LOO-NACY! Police slammed over daft hate crimes including trans woman banned from ladies loo & man singing Scots song in England COPS are still logging bizarre hate incidents — including the singing of anthem Flower of Scotland at an English railway station. An investigation by The Sun reveals how police — under fire for not catching shoplifters and burglars — are wasting vital time on the 'non-crime hate incidents'. 5 Police across Britain stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints (stock picture) Credit: Alamy 5 One force probed concerns about a man singing anthem Flower of Scotland at an English train station (stock picture) Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Cops also investigated a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo (stock picture) Credit: Alamy Former officers and MPs want the 'crackers' cases scrapped. Police stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints — including one about a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo. Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway. Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo. The bizarre cases were among at least 6,300 non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) recorded in 2024. The true figure would be much higher as 15 of the 44 police forces in England and Wales did not disclose figures under a Freedom of Information request. MPs and top cops led calls to stop wasting time on NCHIs, which are recorded where no criminal offence has been committed but the 'victim' feels it was motivated by hate or prejudice. Shadow Justice Minister Robert Jenrick said: 'We have lost the plot. 'Practically everyone in the country will have at some point said something that would get them reported. 'This is crackers. Moment Met boss dodges question over two-tier policing of riots by grabbing reporters' mic & chucking it to floor 'We need to scrap NCHIs altogether.' Reform UK's Lee Anderson added: 'The majority of these incidents are reported by total snowflakes. 'These are the people who should be charged with wasting police time. 'Officers should be investigating proper crimes not hurt feelings. 'Those who complain should go and live on a remote island with some of our celebrities who make a living out of being offended.' The person in Bedfordshire upset by the Where's Wally tattoo also complained of the supervisor asking about their shoes and requests to remove their durag hair covering. The incident was recorded as 'sex-based and hate-motivated'. The police log obtained by The Sun says: 'The victim felt irritated for the rest of the shift as it was mean and uncalled for.' In Dunstable, Beds, a complainant said they heard a neighbour gossiping on their Ring doorbell, then point at their home and make an insult before walking off. Bedfordshire Police said: 'We record hate related incidents in line with national guidance set out by the College of Policing.' South Wales Police, which dealt with the trans row, recorded 40 NCHIs last year. It said one 'perpetrator' was aged nine, another 11. Humberside Police logged the case where a person put on an Indian accent to order a curry. West Yorkshire Police handled 175 complaints — one from a man who claimed his bins kept being moved because he was gay. Forces that did not provide their figures included London's Met — the UK's biggest — West Midlands, Essex and Devon and Cornwall. Ex-Met detective Peter Bleksley said: 'These examples are ludicrous and a total waste of police time. 'Waste of police time' 'It is not a policing matter if someone is singing Flower of Scotland. 'If it were, the whole of the Met would have to be deployed when Scotland play rugby at Twickenham. 'These are mostly juvenile situations and officers should not lower themselves to getting involved. 'It is a serious problem when a lot of actual crimes are not investigated.' NCHIs were introduced in 2014 and are meant to help forces develop intelligence on situations that could potentially escalate. In some cases, cops speak to those supposedly committing offences. An NCHI can remain on file for six years and, in some cases, be disclosed to a prospective employer. A report this week by think tank Civitas called for NCHIs to be abolished. Author Hardeep Singh said: 'Some activist groups continue to weaponise them against their political opponents. "We've seen the most absurd incidents being recorded over the years, and precious police resources should not be drained by policing online ideological disputes.' 5 Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo Credit: Alamy In 2023, the Home Office issued guidance instructing officers to consider if there was genuine hostility in the incident or whether it could be considered freedom of speech. Earlier this month, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the policy of recording NCHIs had 'passed its sell-by date'. Sir Andy Marsh, head of standards body the College of Policing, called on officers to use more 'common sense' and signalled that the recording of NCHIs needs to be scrapped. He said: 'What we've wrapped up that objective in doesn't stand up to scrutiny on many occasions under the common-sense test. 'We need to fix it. 'I don't want to be policing freedom of speech.'
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Police slammed over daft hate crimes including trans woman banned from ladies loo & man singing Scots song in England
COPS are still logging bizarre hate incidents — including the singing of anthem Flower of Scotland at an English railway station. An investigation by The Sun reveals how police — under fire for not catching shoplifters and burglars — are wasting vital time on the 'non-crime hate incidents'. Advertisement 5 Police across Britain stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints (stock picture) Credit: Alamy 5 One force probed concerns about a man singing anthem Flower of Scotland at an English train station (stock picture) Credit: PA:Press Association 5 Cops also investigated a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo (stock picture) Credit: Alamy Former officers and MPs want the 'crackers' cases scrapped. Police stand accused of failing to tackle 'actual crimes' while instead investigating 'hate' complaints — including one about a pub landlord who stopped a transgender woman using his ladies' loo. Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway. Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo. Advertisement READ MORE UK NEWS The bizarre cases were among at least 6,300 non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) recorded in 2024. The true figure would be much higher as 15 of the 44 police forces in England and Wales did not disclose figures under a Freedom of Information request. MPs and top cops led calls to stop wasting time on NCHIs, which are recorded where no criminal offence has been committed but the 'victim' feels it was motivated by hate or prejudice. Shadow Justice Minister Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'Practically everyone in the country will have at some point said something that would get them reported. 'This is crackers. Moment Met boss dodges question over two-tier policing of riots by grabbing reporters' mic & chucking it to floor 'We need to scrap NCHIs altogether.' Reform UK's Advertisement 'These are the people who should be charged with wasting police time. 'Officers should be investigating proper crimes not hurt feelings. 'Those who complain should go and live on a remote island with some of our celebrities who make a living out of being offended.' The person in Bedfordshire upset by the Where's Wally tattoo also complained of the supervisor asking about their shoes and requests to remove their durag hair covering. Advertisement The incident was recorded as 'sex-based and hate-motivated'. The police log obtained by The Sun says: 'The victim felt irritated for the rest of the shift as it was mean and uncalled for.' In Dunstable, Beds, a complainant said they heard a neighbour gossiping on their Ring doorbell, then point at their home and make an insult before walking off. Bedfordshire Police said: 'We record hate related incidents in line with national guidance set out by the College of Policing.' Advertisement South Wales Police, which dealt with the trans row, recorded 40 NCHIs last year. It said one 'perpetrator' was aged nine, another 11. Humberside Police logged the case where a person put on an Indian accent to order a curry. West Yorkshire Police handled 175 complaints — one from a man who claimed his bins kept being moved because he was gay. Advertisement Forces that did not provide their figures included London's Met — the UK's biggest — West Midlands, Essex and Devon and Cornwall. Ex-Met detective Peter Bleksley said: 'These examples are ludicrous and a total waste of police time. 'Waste of police time' 'It is not a policing matter if someone is singing Flower of Scotland . 'If it were, the whole of the Met would have to be deployed when Scotland play rugby at Twickenham. Advertisement 'These are mostly juvenile situations and officers should not lower themselves to getting involved. 'It is a serious problem when a lot of actual crimes are not investigated.' NCHIs were introduced in 2014 and are meant to help forces develop intelligence on situations that could potentially escalate. In some cases, cops speak to those supposedly committing offences. Advertisement An NCHI can remain on file for six years and, in some cases, be disclosed to a prospective employer. A report this week by think tank Civitas called for NCHIs to be abolished. Author Hardeep Singh said: 'Some activist groups continue to weaponise them against their political opponents. "We've seen the most absurd incidents being recorded over the years, and precious police resources should not be drained by policing online ideological disputes.' 5 Cops also logged a case after a caller put on an Indian accent to order a chicken tikka masala from a takeaway Credit: Getty - Contributor Advertisement 5 Another force was contacted by a person whose new boss called their designer clothes 'fake' and told them of an intimate Where's Wally tattoo Credit: Alamy In 2023, the Home Office issued guidance instructing officers to consider if there was genuine hostility in the incident or whether it could be considered freedom of speech. Earlier this month, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the policy of recording NCHIs had 'passed its sell-by date'. Sir Andy Marsh, head of standards body the College of Policing, called on officers to use more 'common sense' and signalled that the recording of NCHIs needs to be scrapped. Advertisement He said: 'What we've wrapped up that objective in doesn't stand up to scrutiny on many occasions under the common-sense test. 'We need to fix it. 'I don't want to be policing freedom of speech.'
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
21 brilliant retro photos of Scotland fans at the famous 2-2 draw with England in 2017 at Hampden
Can you believe it has been eight years since Leigh Griffiths bagged those two unforgettable free-kicks for Scotland against England in the sun in front of a sold-out Hampden? 'I've not seen a football celebration in a ground like this for a long, long, long time,' remarked a crestfallen Gary Neville on co-commentary, as the then-Celtic forward fired two unstoppable free-kicks beyond the outstretched arm of Three Lions goalkeeper Joe Hart in the dying embers of the World Cup qualifier in Glasgow. The home crowd exploded into scenes of wild celebration that have struggled to be matched since. Griffiths sprinted around the Hampden track as if he was a 200 metres runner and, for a moment, the southside of Glasgow was the place to be! It is one of the most iconic games in the history of the stadium. Okay, so Harry Kane's even later leveller spoiled it a little, but let's not labour on that ... Were you there that day? If so, here are 21 of the best retro photos of Scotland fans during the famous 2-2 draw with England in 2017. Can you spot yourself in our gallery? 1 . Hampden history Two different generations of Scotland fan witnessed one of the greatest games in Hampden history. | SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . Let's go Scotland! A Scotland fan cheers on the team against England in 2017. | SNS Group Photo Sales 3 . The Rampant Lion Scotland fans wave their flags during the game against England. | SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . Flower of Scotland Fans sing the national anthem ahead of kick-off at Hampden. | SNS Group Photo Sales
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
21 brilliant retro photos of Scotland fans at the famous 2-2 draw with England in 2017 at Hampden
Can you believe it has been eight years since Leigh Griffiths bagged those two unforgettable free-kicks for Scotland against England in the sun in front of a sold-out Hampden? 'I've not seen a football celebration in a ground like this for a long, long, long time,' remarked a crestfallen Gary Neville on co-commentary, as the then-Celtic forward fired two unstoppable free-kicks beyond the outstretched arm of Three Lions goalkeeper Joe Hart in the dying embers of the World Cup qualifier in Glasgow. The home crowd exploded into scenes of wild celebration that have struggled to be matched since. Griffiths sprinted around the Hampden track as if he was a 200 metres runner and, for a moment, the southside of Glasgow was the place to be! It is one of the most iconic games in the history of the stadium. Okay, so Harry Kane's even later leveller spoiled it a little, but let's not labour on that ... Were you there that day? If so, here are 21 of the best retro photos of Scotland fans during the famous 2-2 draw with England in 2017. Can you spot yourself in our gallery? 1 . Hampden history Two different generations of Scotland fan witnessed one of the greatest games in Hampden history. | SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . Let's go Scotland! A Scotland fan cheers on the team against England in 2017. | SNS Group Photo Sales 3 . The Rampant Lion Scotland fans wave their flags during the game against England. | SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . Flower of Scotland Fans sing the national anthem ahead of kick-off at Hampden. | SNS Group Photo Sales
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Why Wales game is must-win for Scotland coach Townsend'
Guinness Men's Six Nations: Scotland v Wales Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 8 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMT Coverage: Watch on BBC One, listen on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on the BBC Sport website and app It will all change on Saturday when the pipes skirl and the passion rises and the Scotland team bus pulls into view, but this has been the lowest of low-key build-ups to a Six Nations game at Murrayfield for quite some time. There's a twisted logic around the visiting fans, their team bottom of the table and winless in 15, feeling better about themselves than the hosts, but there you have it - the Six Nations in all its complex glory. Wales, without a victory since Tom Jones was in short pants, are coming to Edinburgh with a pulse after a fine performance against Ireland. Matt Sherratt, the interim head coach, has applied the defibrillator and the patient is now showing signs of life. They're coming to a rugby country that has had the energy sucked out of it with that late loss in Twickenham, which followed on from the spirit-sapping defeat by Ireland at Murrayfield, which obliterated their Six Nations hopes. Hello darkness my old friend would be a more fitting preamble than Flower of Scotland. The sound of silence has been deafening in Scottish rugby circles for much of the past fortnight. 'Not too stressed' - Russell ignores miss critics Podcast: Townsend - 'There's a lot to play for' All the Scottish rugby latest in one place Maybe that's why Finn Russell, as opposed to Scotland's other co-captain Rory Darge, did media on Friday. Maybe Scottish Rugby felt they needed some stardust, a galvanising presence to fire up the fans and convince them that, yes, the championship bid is over, but yes again, there is something big to play for here. The 'something big' is back-foot stuff, though. They're playing to avoid a nightmare rather than to keep a dream alive. Their motivation is to avert the horror show of one win from four with a trip to Paris to come and the grand inquisition of the coaches that would come with it. Scottish heads are done in. Scotland are ranked number one in the tournament for fewest tries conceded, fewest tackles missed and most ball carries, number two for metres gained, line breaks, breakdown steals and tries scored. And yet they sit fourth in the table and are already out of contention for the big prize. Still we hear the mumbo-jumbo from former players in other places about Scotland supposedly talking themselves up. During the week, the great Welsh and Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips joined the list of people who don't understand Scottish rugby and the fatalism that has run through it for close to a quarter of a century. Phillips said the Scots have been predicting Six Nations glory for 20 years, a comment so remarkable that people here will remember it in the way they remember where they were when they heard Elvis had died. (Younger readers: swap Taylor Swift for Elvis and replace 'died' with 'releasing a new album' or some such revelation). Predictions of greatness? Many Scottish rugby fans look 20 years older than they actually are because of all the angst they've gone through. Phillips has been living in an alternate reality this whole time. None of this phony war stuff in the media is going to permeate Scotland's bubble in any meaningful way. They know what's at stake here - not a championship tilt, but credibility and, possibly, the future of Gregor Townsend. Scottish Rugby is under relatively new management and there will be a deep reluctance to change the international coaching ticket even if the Wales game goes wrong, but defeat would bring howls of protest from fans. Scotland have won 18 out of 38 in the Six Nations on Townsend's watch. They've lost two games by a single point - one game by two points, one by three and two by four. Ten Six Nations matches have been lost by seven points or fewer - including two in 2020 and 2021 (they won the other three) and three in 2024 (they won the other two). What-might-have-beens are writ large over his regime. Refereeing decisions have been unkind at crucial moments, but in eight attempts Scotland have not gone into the final weekend with a realistic shot at the title. They have advanced under Townsend's coaching, though. Anybody saying otherwise is allowing their disappointment to overtake their perspective. Scotland in full flow are a thrillfest, just not a consistent one. There's a reason why Scotland have not contended. The talk of their golden generation is about as misplaced as the chat about them bigging themselves up. For sure, this is probably the most talented backline Scotland has ever produced, but in no way is it among the most talented pack of forwards. It's a good pack, but it's a way off championship-winning good and a world away from Grand Slam good. You hear talk of Townsend wasting the golden generation. That's one-eyed analysis. It focuses solely on the wonders of the backline without properly assessing the forwards and their superior counterparts in Ireland and France. But not in Wales. There is nothing superior about this Welsh team in the pack or behind the pack and that's why Townsend won't be cut any slack if Scotland don't win. No allowances will be made for the injured Sione Tuipulotu, no nuance will be applied because Scott Cummings, Max Williamson, Andy Onyeama-Christie and Josh Bayliss are unavailable. This is a should-win because Townsend's team look stronger in most positions, have won the past two against Wales and have home advantage, but it's also a must-win. Townsend can't hope to avoid heavy flak, or a serious examination of the way of things by his bosses, if his team goes from three wins in 2023 to two wins in 2024 to (possibly) one win in 2025. That would suddenly look like a dead end. By the skin of their teeth, and the width of a goalpost, the bookmakers were proven right when they made England favourites at Twickenham. They're now making Scotland overwhelming, almost unbackable, favourites on Saturday. According to the bookies, Wales don't have much of a prayer and that kind of status will suit them nicely. No-hopers? Diolch. They're not the only ones with points to prove, though. That wasteful loss to England has sickened Scotland to their core and you can imagine them nursing that frustration for a fortnight. They should be two from three. They're maybe not the roaring certainties the odds layers tell you they are, but they'll be fine up front, they could be wondrous out the back and they should have too much for Wales. Or else the night sky might fall.
