The SFA have announced that UEFA have granted a minute's applause to honour Queen Elizabeth, at tomorrow's Nations League clash between Scotland and Ukraine.
While the late Queen was the patron of the SFA, there is controversy surrounding the applause given Scotland's opposition, with people claiming that the decision is tone deaf given the war and suffering endured in Ukraine, and the fact that they will not be receiving the applause.
The granting of an applause also suggests that the SFA do not trust many of their fans in a minute's silence, given the much documented actions of Celtic fans, and fans of other SPL sides, during recent tributes to Queen Elizabeth at their matches.
Reaction To Plan For Minutes Applause For Scotland vs Ukraine
Following discussions with UEFA, we can confirm that there will be a minute's applause ahead of our match against Ukraine, in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/CGEY30xwut
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 20, 2022
Absolutely tone-deaf decision yet again from the SFA 🙄
How about a minutes applause for Ukraine, who have been invaded by their belligerent neighbour?
How can you follow "Flower of Scotland" with a memorial to Queen Elizabeth I of Scotland, II of England 🙄#StandWithUkraine️ https://t.co/bKMEeK0kT4— Þorbjörn🐻🏴🇮🇸🐻❄️ (@HighlandHeathen) September 20, 2022
I'm sorry but this feels a bit much now especially given we are playing Ukraine at #Hampden. A moment like this should be used to highlight and support those displaced and those fighting, living and dying in #Ukraine #Scotland #SlavaUkrainii https://t.co/8BhslzVy5C
— Stephen McIlkenny (@StephenBMcI) September 20, 2022
Scotland and Ukraine having a minutes applause for a 96 year old woman when there’s kids in Ukraine being blown to bits what a fucking country we live in 😂😂😂
— Mark McCluskey (@C62219457Mc) September 20, 2022
READ HERE: Ireland Player Ratings As Stephen Kenny's Side Hammer Scotland At The Aviva
The form of Scotland has been poor recently, and included a 3-0 loss to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Their keeper Craig Gordon, however, is confident his side are better equipped now to face both Ukraine and Ireland in the coming days.
“It’s a different stage of the season. Hopefully we have got a lot more players who are in a better frame of mind, better condition, than we were at the end of last season.
“There were a lot of tired players trying to grind it out at a difficult stage of the season. A lot of players had played 50-60 games already leading up to that, and it’s impossible to keep going at the very highest level when you have to play that amount of games.”
"You had a lot of players who had had a lot of disappointments towards the end of the season, missing out on Champions League, top-four qualification, whatever it may be.