FOOTBALL fans have taken to social media to vent their fury after the Team GB squad for the Tokyo Olympics snubbed Scottish football stars – and Wales aren't happy either.
In fact, such are the decisions that have left people "fuming", even fans of England's Lionesses have called out the "highly biased" selections.
The Scottish Women's National Team (SWNT) made history when they qualified for the 2019 World Cup, with fans flocking to Hampden in record numbers to see the side stun Jamaica 3-2 with the help of a goal of the year by Erin Cuthbert in a warm-up for the big event.
The SWNT squad features players plying their trade at top clubs in Scotland, England and America.
Cuthbert is with league winners and Champion's League runners-up Chelsea. Captain Rachel Corsie plays with Kansas City in America, facing off against US stars such as Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Crystal Dunn. Arsenal's squad includes Scotland's Jennifer Beattie and Lisa Evans. Claire Emslie has played for Man City, Orlando Pride and now Everton.
Today was the big day, with the squad of 22 being announced – the video graphic below, probably quite smartly, doesn't include which nationality each team member is, so take your guess as to how many in "Team GB" play for England.
Welcoming our women's football squad for #Tokyo2020 ⚽
— Team GB (@TeamGB) May 27, 2021
Proudly supported by @haven pic.twitter.com/5I7V4iqD7s
Congratulations to those of you who said 19 – Scotland's Kim Little and Caroline Weir and Wales's Sophie Ingle were the only exceptions.
The team was selected by England coach Hege Riise, who replaced Phil Neville, as part of an arrangement that the highest ranked team would lead the Olympic efforts.
Some will suggest at this stage that the SFA should have continued with its policy of refusing to acknowledge Team GB for fear of its impact on Scotland's status as an independent footballing nation.
Others are already bidding to trend #NoTeamGB on Twitter – with many Welsh fans leading the way on this.
But one thing Twitter seems to agree on is that Scotland star Erin Cuthbert was more snubbed than anyone.
Social media users have been hitting out in confusion and anger – and not just those who are fans of Scotland.
As a Englishmen & Arsenal Women’s fan, I can’t be accused of bias. How on earth is @erincuthbert_ not in the squad?!! 😱 She’s an absolute pocket rocket! Bundles of energy, dynamic, tenacious and terrific ability. Greenwood over Stokes for me too, Maciver over Bardsley.
— Bal (@Bal_Tastic) May 27, 2021
Stunned that Erin Cuthbert not in the squad ..but yeah it's it's token gesture to bring in a couple of players
— Our Girls Our Game (@OurGirlsOurGam1) May 27, 2021
Wow no Erin Cuthbert didn't see that coming. There really should be an independent selector too much of an England team https://t.co/wtyepaOrRY
— casey smith (@smithyUtd) May 27, 2021
How Erin Cuthbert is not in that squad is an absolute travesty. #notteamGB
— Linsey Taylor (@Linsnw) May 27, 2021
I can't believe that Erin Cuthbert doesn't get a look in. Northern Ireland get to the Euros but none of them is deemed worthy of selection either. Five forwards and four reserves all English. Usual English bias.
— Scottish Football Results - Girls/Women (@GirlsResults) May 27, 2021
Wow no @erincuthbert_ ?! That’s crazy to leave her out.
— Dawn Taylor (@dawny3677) May 27, 2021
Can someone please explain how @erincuthbert_ hasn't been picked for the Team GB squad?! One of the best players in the WSL and they're sleeping on her. 🤔😭 https://t.co/xvBShMfC4N
— El (@Esiole_91) May 27, 2021
Am absolutely fuming Erin Cuthbert isn’t there. This is supposed to be team GB. There is no way Scott or Stanway is better than she is.
— Linsey Taylor (@Linsnw) May 27, 2021
Team GB's women's football squad at this summer's Tokyo Olympics has been announced. Our mighty @niamhcharles7 is on the reserves list for the squad. Let’s be fair Our Niamh should be in the squad we also feel @erincuthbert_ should be in this team. So much quality. #CFCW #TeamGB pic.twitter.com/QZhHi26Dsu
— Chelsea Pride (@ChelseaPride_) May 27, 2021
As much as I love our lionesses and I support this team whatever happens.... I can’t help feeling it’s not only highly biased to England players but also lacks some new variety. How @erincuthbert_ isn’t in there I have no idea! Ridiculous. I’d have @Furney1988 in too! #TeamGB pic.twitter.com/lUO40jiHff
— Emma Denmark ⚒ (@MusicLovingEm) May 27, 2021
I fully expected the squad to be heavy English based but expected 3 Scots to be auto picks. Surprised Erin Cuthbert didn't get selected too. Also expected a player with qualities of Jordan Nobbs to be in.
— Heather Pryde (@SkippyPryde) May 27, 2021
Think there some of youngsters picked on media hype and not shown skill.
Ridiculous that all four reserves are from England. Erin Cuthbert omission is very strange. Northern Ireland not even worthy of one place despite getting to the Euros. Might as well just call them TeamEngland.
— P-Dizzle 🇳🇴 (@jocknroll) May 27, 2021
With only one welsh representative in Sophie Ingle, I’m shocked to see Jess Fishlock has been missed out too.
— Courtney McKenzie (@courtneyrmack) May 27, 2021
Both Erin Cuthbert and Lee Alexander should’ve had a look in aswell.
@erincuthbert_ not being added to team GB 🤦♂️🤦♂️ I have seen a lot lately but this has finished me off !! I was under the impression team GB stands for Great Britain’s best not England and we will add a couple more 🏴🏴🏴
— GB1973 (@gordon_burnley) May 27, 2021
how on earth has erin cuthbert not been selected in the team GB olympic squad
— linds (@Lindsay_Ferry) May 27, 2021
No Erin Cuthbert is a shocking decision.
— Robpatch (@2patchitup) May 27, 2021
It's because there are England players who have been picked on past merits rather than how good they are now, where someone like Erin Cuthbert can win the midfield every game she plays
— Stuart Bennett (@31_stuart) May 27, 2021
PS. While Scotland legend Kim Little did make the cut, the squad announcement on the England team's website lists her as playing for Manchester City ... she plays for Arsenal.
If only Union-Jack-stamped decisions like these still came as a shock to us.
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