Anthems scrapped as Football League reverse decision

Last updated : 22 May 2003 By Michael Morris
The Football League have decided that the raging debate surrounding the Cardiff QPR game and the public pressure to play the Welsh national anthem along with the British one was detracting from the occasion.

As a result they have scrapped all anthems and there will be no playing of the British National anthem at any of the three play off games.

League spokesman John Hagle said

"The national anthem has only ever been sung at play-off weekends because it is regarded as a traditional part of the pre-match build-up to football finals.

"Unfortunately the playing of the anthem this weekend has become a subject of some controversy. This has begun to detract from both the games themselves and from the achievements of the clubs involved and this should clearly not be the case.

"The League has always made it clear that it regards these games as domestic club matches - they are neither international matches nor international occasions.

"Therefore, on reflection, it is our view that it would be preferable for fans to participate in the singing of their club songs, half-an-hour before kick-off, instead of any national anthems."