Football fans have slammed a councillor who told Scots they should be “fecking ashamed” for supporting “cheating Argies” against England.
The Three Lions meet Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final tonight – resuming one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
But Tracy Colyer, a Scottish Conservatives councillor from Moray, has sparked a backlash after posting remarks on Facebook which reference the 1982 Falkland conflict between Britain and Argentina.
In a widely circulated post on a Moray community page, Colyer wrote: “Come nowhere near me if you are supporting the cheating ‘hand of god’ Argies.
“For all you idiots out there that are blinkered, Scottish soldiers fought in the Falklands War in 1982.
“The 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards were a major part of the British forces deployed.
View 5 ImagesThe Falklands Conflict happened between April and June 1982(Image: Imperial War Museums via Getty Images)
“They sailed to the islands in May 1982 aboard the Queen Elizabeth II and became part of the 5th Infantry Brigade.
“On the night of June 13-14, the Scots Guards took part in one of the final and fiercest battles of the war.
“They fought a difficult night battle using bayonets to capture the heavily defended Mount Tumbledown from Argentine forces.”
The Falklands War was fought over 74 days between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the disputed Falkland Islands, with 255 British military personnel, three Falkland Islanders and 649 Argentinians killed.
Four years later England were knocked out of the World Cup in Mexico after Diege Maradona’s famous “hand of God” goal.
Colyer added: “So all you people who think you are dissing the English you are dissing your kin and shame on you!
“Hope you are fecking ashamed cos I am of you all.”
The term “Argies” is widely regarded as a derogatory term for Argentinians and has long been associated with the Falklands conflict.
View 5 ImagesMaradona’s ‘Hand of God’ moment in 1986(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)
Edinburgh Tartan Army member Carey McEvoy, who created a fan-only ticket exchange where Scotland supporters could buy and sell seats at face value, branded Colyer’s comments “nonsense”.
He said: “I think there’s a bit of political mischief involved in Cllr Colyer’s post. If not, and her emotion is real, that’s a shame.
“Football is not war. 35,000 Scots dies in Europe in WW2 but look at all the connections and friendships created in Germany at Euro 24. Linking the two is nonsense.
“In terms of Argentina, the Tartan Army have been singing about Maradona since 86 and many of us have had Argentina tops in the drawer long before this week. It’s about football and having a laugh at our greatest rivals when we get the chance. Which happily comes around every two years.”
England are bidding to defeat the defending champions to each their first World Cup final since 1966.
View 5 ImagesArgentina will play against England in the semi-finals (Image: Valentino Dariell De Sousa/Getty Images)
The remarks attracted hundreds of comments online, with fans were quick to slam the reference to the war.
One fan wrote on Facebook: “The football rivalry between England and Scotland has always meant that most Scots will support whoever is playing England. It’s nothing to do with politics or hate and shouldn’t be represented in this way.”
Another fan commented: “England play Argentina and have a German manager, is she in favour of that?”
A third said: “We are all happy to support Germany, Japan and Italy when they play England too….”
Colyer’s comments came as authorities confirmed there were to be increased security measures in place for tonight’s clash, with Atlanta police aware of historical tensions between the two countries.
In a statement, the force said: “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming Fifa World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.
“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
View 5 ImagesEngland’s Harry Kane celebrates a goal
Argentina were victorious over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals as Maradona scored the famous Hand of God goal, while captain Messi is set to face the Three Lions for the first time in his career.
After Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, players were caught on camera singing a chant referencing the Falkland islands, Maradona and Messi.
But England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford commented in the rivalry earlier this week, saying it’s “just a game of football” and predicted “football will do its talking” tonight.
Last night the Tories apologised over Cllr Colyer’s remarks.
A Scottish Conservatives spokesman said: “As an elected councillor, Councillor Colyer recognises the importance of always using appropriate language.
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“She posted these thoughts in a personal capacity, but apologies for any offence that has been taken.”
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