Scotland fans loudly boo God Save the King national anthem in match against Northern Ireland

Scotland fans loudly boo God Save the King national anthem in match against Northern Ireland

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 26/03/2024

- 20:53

Updated: 26/03/2024

- 22:40

Northern Ireland sing the British national anthem ahead of every match.

God Save the King was loudly booed at Hampden Park by Scotland fans ahead of their match against Northern Ireland.

The 'friendly' clash between British rivals was anything but before a ball had even been kicked when both sides lined up on the pitch.


The home crowd made their feelings clear when God Save the King played out over the speakers for Northern Ireland's anthem.

Loud boos could be heard around the stadium with fans attempting to drown out the national anthem.

Northern Ireland sing the British national anthem ahead of games

Northern Ireland sing the British national anthem ahead of games

GETTY

Scotland fans did something similar during their home match against England back in September last year.

The small section of Northern Ireland responded to the jeers by whistling through the Flower of Scotland anthem.

The match was seen as a chance for Scotland to get back on track in one of their final warm-up matches ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Scotland headed into the match against Northern Ireland on a six-match winless run with 18 goals conceded in that time.

They've suffered defeats to England, France and the Netherlands as well as a qualifier to Spain.

But another defeat looked likely after Liverpool star Conor Bradley found the net to silence the home crowd midway through the first half.

Northern Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2024 after finishing fifth in their group with Michael O'Neill calling it a 'missed opportunity'.

Speaking ahead of the match against Scotland, O'Neill explained he was hopeful that Steve Clarke's side can provide the blueprint for his young guns.

Scotland fans booed the British anthem

Scotland fans booed the British anthem

GETTY

"I was always aware that Scotland was a team that was going to grow," said O'Neill.

"They have had consistent form for a number of years. They are very much the bar for us.

"I saw a lot of these players play through the early phases of their careers. It is something I spoke to the players about.

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Northern Ireland fans hit back by jeering Scotland's anthem

Northern Ireland fans hit back by jeering Scotland's anthem

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"For example, I remember seeing Stuart Armstrong play for Dundee United, John McGinn play for Hibs and now they are playing in the Premier League or have played in the Premier League for a number of years.

"So the journey their players are on is hopefully the journey that a lot of our players will go on as well.

"We are asking a lot of the younger players at this moment in time but it will be a good game."

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