THE move by the Scotland national team to take the knee in their match against England has been welcomed by Nicola Sturgeon.

The team had previously said that they would "take a stand" as opposed to kneeling in raising awareness and tackling racism.

The men's team has since announced they would be kneeling in solidarity with England when they play at Wembley next Friday (June 18), but the team will "will continue to take a stand" at their Hampden matches.

READ MORE: Scotland will take knee at Wembley against England in solidarity pledge

The decision to take a knee in their England clash was welcomed by the First Minister who said: "From kick-off at Wembley next Friday, @ScotlandNT and @EnglandFootball will be the fiercest of opponents - but before that, the players will unite in solidarity against racism. Good decision, Scotland - well done!"

The national team, that will be competing in its first international tournament since the World Cup in 1998, released statements from its manager and captain earlier today.

Captain Andy Robertson said that due to the "football family" in Scotland standing against racism all season, they continue that at the national level.

"Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur," Robertson said.

He added that given events surrounding the English team, including fans booing players taking the knee, the Scotland squad would also kneel as a "symbol of solidarity".

Scotland manager Steve Clarke said that "some individuals and groups have sought to politicise or misrepresent" the team's decision to take a stand against racism.

The National:

Clarke said: "I explained in March the rationale behind the squad decision: not only is it consistent with the collective approach from Scottish football above but the purpose of taking the knee, to raise awareness and help eradicate racism in football and society, has been diluted and undermined by the continuation of abuse towards players.

"For the avoidance of doubt: me, my coaching staff, my players and my backroom team take a stand against racism and all forms of unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across society. We do so to raise awareness of the ongoing problem but also as a reminder to those who have the ultimate power and responsibility to implement meaningful change."

He added: "We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.

"We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches."

Scotland's first game of the Euro 2020 tournament will be against the Czech Republic on Monday, June 14 with kick-off at 2pm.