SCOTLAND have been criticised by many politicians for opting against taking the knee during Euro 2020. 

Steve Clarke's men were accused of "sending the wrong message" in the fight against racism after the squad announced they would take a stand prior to kick-off of all of their games in the tournament. 

This will include the match against opponents England, who will continue to take the knee despite a section of their support voicing their discontent. Scotland's players argued yesterday they wanted to "change people’s mindsets" and "their behaviours". 

The National: England's players will continue to take the knee England's players will continue to take the knee

However, the Scots have been criticised across the political spectrum. 

"Take the knee or don't do anything at all," Glasgow SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter said. "A half-baked compromise will just annoy everyone." 

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney said: "Standing is not an act of solidarity in any credible sense. 

The National: Clubs such as Motherwell took a stand last season, while others, such as Kilmarnock, continued to take the knee Clubs such as Motherwell took a stand last season, while others, such as Kilmarnock, continued to take the knee

"It will actually communicate a problematic message on an international stage, especially in contrast to the moral courage shown by young black players in the England squad. I hope the Scotland squad will reconsider this." 

The decision against taking the knee comes in the context of the latter part of last season when many teams in the Premiership also stopped the gesture and instead took a stand. This was primarily as a result of racism directed at Rangers' Glen Kamara and amid players' anger at the continued presence of abuse within the game. 

Leading lawyer Aamer Anwar, who represented Kamara, also questioned the move. 

READ MORE: Scotland players to take stand against racism before Euro 2020 clashes

Activist Jonathan Shafi wrote: "It's a gesture, and symbolic. And there are debates about tactics in the anti-racist movement. But the SFA by saying the Scotland team will 'take a stand' rather than continue the taking of the knee as the England team are, will look especially bad when the teams play."

National columnist Gerry Hassan accused the SFA of a "pathetic" move. 

Meanwhile, the Scotland team won praise from the likes of failed London mayoral candidate Lawrence Fox and the Leave.EU campaign.

Yesterday, a statement from the Scottish FA read: "The Scotland Men’s National Team will continue to take a stand against racism prior to kick-off for all UEFA EURO 2020 matches.

The National: Andy Robertson Andy Robertson

"The squad, coaching staff and backroom members will stand up to racism ahead of the Group D matches against Czech Republic, England and Croatia."

Andy Robertson, Scotland captain, added: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.

“Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”