Andy Murray takes a stand on Scottish independence - gets crucified on Twitter
The people of Scotland go to the pools today to vote on whether they want to achieve independence from the mothership in Great Britain.
And Scotland's greatest tennis player, Andy Murray, who plays under the Great Britain banner, took a stand on Wednesday:
Huge day for Scotland today! no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. excited to see the outcome. lets do this!
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) September 18, 2014
Six months ago, Murray contended he wouldn't go there, because it was a no-win situation. He had a last-minute change of heart.
Reaction, not surprisingly, came quickly.
Thanks, Andy Murray, for disappointing my mum. She's defended your grumpy face and foul-mouth all these years. Shame on you.
— Ellie Vaughn (@EllieVaughn) September 18, 2014
Murray has 2.7 million Twitter followers. As of 10 a.m. EDT, he was reTweeted nearly 16,000 times, and favorited more than 10,000 times.
There is irony to his stand, of course.
“@andy_murray: The no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. lets do this!”You live in England. Can't vote 👋👏😂
— Danielle Herbalife (@daniellebutler) September 18, 2014
Who gives a shit what Andy Murray thinks about Scottish Independence, he can't even vote
— Tom Grierson (@tomfrumtarn161) September 18, 2014
Many also saluted his statement.
@andy_murray Thanks Andy, you bring a smile to the face of many
— Diane Goodwin (@dgoodhom) September 18, 2014
There will be fallout from this, regardless how how the vote goes.
Murray has always struggled to be beloved by the Brits, even though he was the one who ended the 76-year drought by winning Wimbledon in 2013. It's partly his public personality; he's a shy soul, and doesn't always come across as warm and fuzzy.
As well, he made a casual joke about Scottish and British football (soccer) and what side he was on many years ago – and people still bring it up as the reason why they don't like him.
This Tweet could be prescient.
Andy Murray's big sponsors -- RBS and Standard Life -- must be thrilled about his "yes" vote. They both hate the idea....
— SimonEnglish (@SimonEnglishSun) September 18, 2014
@andy_murray Andy just destroyed his support at Wimbledon next year.
— Waz (@Wala_11) September 18, 2014