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Andy Murray has ‘no regrets’ over Scottish independence tweet

Andy Murray has said he has no regrets about declaring his support for a Yes vote on the eve of the Scottish independence referendum but does have reservations about the way he did it. Wimbledon champion and Britain’s number one tennis player made a late intervention into the debate by posting a supportive message on Twitter just hours before the polls opened last Thursday. The 27-year-old Scot told his followers: ”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!” Independence was ultimately rejected by a margin of 55% to 45%.

I think it was a very emotional day for a lot of Scottish people and the whole country and the whole of the UK, it was a big day. The way it was worded, the way I sent it, that’s not really in my character and I don’t normally do stuff like that.

Andy Murray

Asked if he had any regrets about sending the tweet, Murray told the BBC: “I don’t regret giving an opinion. I think everyone should be allowed that. The way I did it, yeah, it wasn’t something I would do again.” Murray was subjected to online abuse after posting the message on the social media site. He had been quizzed on the issue previously but dodged the question, although in an interview in June he criticised Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond for waving the country’s flag at the tournament last year. And in 2006, he courted controversy when he said he would support ”anyone but England” in the football World Cup.