The editor of Scotland’s only pro-independence newspaper has issued a slavish apology for resorting to “vague stereotypes” on a front page urging Spain to “get revenge” on England in the Euro 2024 final.
The National unleashed a storm on Saturday about a rallying cry that caricatured England fans as bad tourists ahead of the next day’s match, something Laura Webster has now admitted “crossed the line”.
On a front page showing a mock-up image of Spain star Rodri kicking a fat, tattooed England fan shaped like a football on a beach, the paper had said: “Every summer, they pack your beaches. They drink all your beer. They make a mess of your squares. They eat fried breakfasts all day instead of your wonderful food. They retire in your cities and take advantage of your public services. They don’t even bother to learn the language! The National says it’s… TIME FOR REVENGE! Our message to Spain: Save us from an England victory (or we’ll never stop hearing this!).”
Nearly three days later, Webster posted a statement on X that read: “We would like to address the reaction to Saturday’s cover.
“Readers of The National Those of you who have been with us for a long time will know that humour has always been an important part of what we do. Yes, we report on many serious topics, but we also have fun with less serious stories.
“For Saturday’s cover, we set out to make a light-hearted joke that wouldn’t be taken too seriously in the run-up to a football match. Our intention was to make it exaggerated and with a touch of humour.
“However, we acknowledge that the cover did not live up to our intentions. We relied on vague stereotypes, and we should not have done so. We have listened to the feedback, reflected on our decision-making, and have concluded that we were wrong on this occasion. The cover crossed the line. We apologize.”
“It is a privilege to be the only newspaper in Scotland that supports independence. With it comes a responsibility to reflect the best of our movement, and that is what we promise to do in the future.”
