Bend Me, Shape Me: Strawmen of the Scottish Media Blowing in the Wind

The young Hamilton midfielder, James McCarthy, made the headlines earlier in the season when he opted to play for the Republic of Ireland rather than Scotland (for readers outside Scotland, the player has one Irish grandparent and says he 'feels' more Irish).

The player got the predictable 'boos' when his team met the Rangers shortly afterwards, and just as predictably, there were calls for police action against these vile bigots from our ever vigilant chums in the press.

What's been interesting, though, is the long term reaction to this scenario.

McCarthy was slated by Lanarkshire rivals Motherwell when the two clashed, and last weekend, BBC Scotland aired highlights which included Dundee United fans also chastising this youthful (grand)son of Erin:

"...In James McCarthy, they had a young man who rose to the occasion rather than the bait. United supporters had taunted him with "why don't you go home" chants - alluding to the fact he has chosen to play for the Republic of Ireland rather than Scotland - and those drew retaliatory, supportive songs from the Accies fans." http://www.sundayherald.com/sport/shfootba..._his_chants.php

And the player has faced criticism for his choice in The Sun newspaper, with one columnist laying into him for turning his back on the country which raised him.

This piece isn't interested in whether the wee shite made the right decision. It's a free country, and having wet his bed, he can now lie in it.

It's the shift in position from the media which intrigues me. They've done a virtual colte-face, well, except the usual suspects.

The hilarious irony of Hugh Keevins' fulminating against the remote chance of Nacho Novo turning out for Scotland, while defending McCarthy or Aiden McGeady's decision to the hilt, meant there was little chance of he and his ilk coming to their senses.

But out with these partisan outlands, it's a little short of amazing to see how many people are willing to take the position that: "Yes, it's the individual's choice but don't expect me to like it—and that doesn't make me a racist."

The fact that there has been absolutely zero reaction to the Dundee United supporters' singing may result in the more paranoid amongst you thinking that says more about BBC Scotland that anything else, but I like to believe it signals another media body adopting a realistic attitude to this issue.

It's utterly naive to expect the fans of one country (Scotland) to quietly accept two quality prospects such as McGeady and McCarthy—with frankly tenuous links to the Emerald Isle—decamping across the water.

If all of these boys' faces is a song or two, bluntly, I think they should count their blessings—there are plenty of unsavoury types who would gladly take further—more physical—steps.

It would be churlish to gloat over this partial vindication of us Rangers' fans. But, I'll do it anyway. The amoral and weak-willed individuals who work in the Scottish media should use this issue as a salutatory reminder that while hyping discord and imaginary hatred may help sell some papers or add a few zeroes to the audience figures, it's no substitute for sticking to principles.

Try it. You'll like it!