Carsley’s England?

[baggiematt]

I do have sympathy for baggiematt's point of view but the singing of the national anthem is a traditional part of international games and a mark of pride and respect. You can surely disagree with decisions a government makes on behalf of your country but still have pride and respect for its culture so why not sing it (even if you have a c rap singing voice &#128513 if you are playing to represent your country?

A lot of peoples values are changing where tradition is less followed or respected these days Omeg. It's understandable as tradition has previously been used to justify wrongs or get people to do something without rationale. Bull fighting in Spain is justified as tradition...

I get your point though. Tradition should always be a choice IMO; hence why it's not enforced.

[Omegstrat6]

Well whatever he does I suggest Starmer doesn't wrap a symbol of unity and inclusiveness otherwise known as a Union Jack around his shoulders on any upcoming state visits to the Republic of Ireland where it's still referred to as the Butcher's Apron 😉.

True enough 68! 😁
Tbh, those from the ROI that I have met or worked with however have always been fine.

The recent documentaries on the Troubles were both very interesting and revealing but guess the point is to try and move on, acknowledge past mistakes and wrongs but learn from them. Exceptionally difficult for those whose lives were so impacted upon during this period of course but hopefully time will begin to heal as new generations come through.

The riots here may have been primarily driven by right wing idiots looking for an outlet for their pent up violence but are perhaps also symptomatic of all the current issues the country is facing. The country may not be entirely "broken" but elements of it certainly are and I assume Starmer is using the Union Jack to try and promote a sense of unity and a focus on trying to fix things going forward. Used for political gain as much as genuine belief no doubt, but whilst I may disagree with some of his policies I can't find too much fault in his aims.

[Omegstrat6]

A lot of peoples values are changing where tradition is less followed or respected these days Omeg. It's understandable as tradition has previously been used to justify wrongs or get people to do something without rationale. Bull fighting in Spain is justified as tradition...

I get your point though. Tradition should always be a choice IMO; hence why it's not enforced.

Fair enough Matt and I agree with you that time moves on and cultures evolve and change so that certain traditions now become questionable at best.