Letter: Jeering of 'God Save the Queen' is the sad outcome of adopting 'O Flower of Scotland'

The boos which drowned out Northern Ireland's national anthem at Hampden are, according to Uefa spokesman William Gaillard, unlikely to be investigated further.

For the sake of the majority of Scotland's supporters this is obviously a welcome relief, but the behaviour of the significant minority at the game who tarnished our fans' reputation should not be ignored. Apart from the obvious offence to visiting fans and television viewers, it will have offended many proud Scots to hear God Save the Queen drowned out by jeers as it is, after all, our national anthem. Many Scots also continue to hold our Queen in the highest regard.

Sadly, this disrespectful behaviour appears to be the logical and entirely predictable outcome of allowing Flower of Scotland to become the unofficial national anthem of not only the Scottish football team, but Scotland generally. To many Scots, The Corries' song is not only offensive, but encourages the worst type of anti-English and sectarian sentiments. Yes, certain out-of-use verses of God Save the Queen give a similar anti-Scottish flavour, but these have long been consigned to history as peculiarities of their political era.

At Hampden's next Scotland international the Scottish Football Association should insist on playing God Save the Queen as the anthem of the Scottish side – as a statement that the type of behaviour exhibited at the Northern Ireland match is unacceptable and also by way of apologising to the people of Northern Ireland in particular, and the UK in general. Thereafter, the SFA should reinstate Scotland the Brave as the team's 'Scottish Anthem' which is both a positive and uplifting song and one which everyone – Scottish or otherwise – can wholeheartedly enjoy without divisive and political overtones.

PHILIP LARDNER

Parkinch

Erskine

Those against the idea of a Team GB football squad for the Olympic Games need look no further than where Scots do battle against the English every year – rugby union. The British and Irish Lions already bring together the best talent from the home nations, including Ireland (who already play as a united team with players from the north and south). It seems sad that the football associations can't come together for a two-week tournament that only happens once every four years.Team GB should press on, even if it means bypassing the home associations.

NEIL FRESHWATER

Mertoun Place

Edinburgh

Non football fans, journalists and politicians who are speculating on fantasy football teams that might comprise a Team GB at the 2012 Olympics should recognise that when compared to the prestigious World Cup and European Championships the Olympic football tournament is regarded as an unnecessary third-rate competition and many clubs will be reluctant to release star players for a Team GB.

However that does not excuse Gordon Brown's politicisation of the situation which he must know risks jeopardising Scotland's national football team and our club representation in European competitions.

Any assurances given by Fifa or Uefa cannot bind future delegates, many of whom want to see the end of the UK's guaranteed vice presidency or having four international sides by right.

PAUL CAVANAGH

Southhouse Square

Edinburgh