To wonder why so many Scottish people a thrilled when England do badly at sport?

[Jollyphonics]

I'm not bothered about the rugby at all personally, but this is irritating me. I have several Scottish friends, and their Facebook newsfeeds are full of gloating about England being knocked out of the world cup. It's a recurring theme with all sporting contests - mant Scottish people will support some random team from a country they've never heard of, if they're playing against England. I don't see the same with Wales and Ireland. Why is this? Is there that much resentment?

And of course I'm not saying all Scots do this, but a significant number do.

Same with Wales! Apparently there are 'flood warnings in Wales due to welsh rugby supporters crying with laughter'. All seems a bit odd to me! Also not a rugby/football/any sport fan.

Oh yes, the Welsh are equally as pleased when England implode

When england win anything the media never shut up about it - so in many ways it's a relief that we don't have to listen to them go on.

Sibling rivalry on a national scale, I assume.

Inferiority complex

Just a theory - Scotland are very much the underdog in most sports (except maybe curling and shinty). England tend to be quite successful. If you have a much bigger, more successful neighbour, maybe it's human nature to be a bit pleased when they land on their arses? Incidentally, I'm Scottish and was supporting Oz because I lived in Australia for longer than I've spent any time on England.

Australian friends are all PTSL on FB too

Yes, I've noticed this, it's very boring. Most english sports fans I've known will generally transfer their allegiance to Wales or Scotland should England get knocked out, but it never seems to happen in reverse. It makes those fans come across as quite chippy and pathetic tbh.

because of the historical oppression, cultural and actual genocide of the people of those country by the english, I guess. The english do it against the germans and the french. Memories live for generations

I'm not thrilled. More mildly amused.

I do see your point but it was pretty galling watching the commentators last night dejectedly reflecting which of the other home nation sides they should switch allegiance to now England is out. When it happens the other way round they view it the patriotic thing for a Scot to do to transfer support to England. There was also no "it doesn't really matter that much because Wales or Scotland could win instead". You really would think England were the only home nation who had been competing if you looked at the mainstream coverage.

DH is English / French, I am Scottish and DD1 has a US passport so split loyalties are a thing in our house. I usually support the best looking side as I can't stand the disappointment when Scotland lose. That made watching Australia / England very difficult but in the end I went with Australia as their kicker was at least half presentable.

I do feel sorry for all the Mums of the England team today. Glad I only have dd as I don't think I could watch a ds play rugby.

What Branleuse says. And also, the England supporters and players are unbearably arrogant, so it's pleasantly ironic when they fail. The Sunday Times this morning where saying something about how it should have been the "white knights" of England progressing until it wen t wrong. Really? You see yourself like that? And then wonder why the rest of us feel cheered when that sort of arrogance gets paid off?
Also thelush it's not inferiority even if England win. In terms of population, Wales should play North London, not England, yet you all gloat if you beat the little guy. Again, are you surprised when we gloat back? (Welsh, btw).

Don't forget the Irish, we have a sneaky smile too when English ds isn't looking

Scots DH and Scottish neighbours living in England all sorry to see England go out and were watching supporting them last night. They all support England if Scotland are not playing.

Perhaps you only see posts on FB that are people who are bothered. There's lots of Scottish people that support a home nation as long as Scotland aren't playing.

1966....you can't watch World Cup coverage without it getting rammed down your throat. Yes England won, good for them do we still need to hear about it a billion years later! This is why we want them knocked out of the football World Cup so we don't have to listen to 1966...1966...196bloody6 and we're terrified of it happening again as it'll be the same over and over. One mention would be fine but not the constant ramming of it down the throats of three other nations tuning in to see the football.

Jolly I can tell you it is most definitely the same with Ireland, it's not just in Scotland. Now I don't think too much about it, it's like pp said like sibling rivalry on a bigger scale. Irish in general won't cheer on England, just like in GAA the entire country will gang up and cheer for anyone except Dublin regardless of any aliance to whoever they're playing. I wouldn't pay it much heed

Most english sports fans I've known will generally transfer their allegiance to Wales or Scotland should England get knocked out

No they don't. Even in national teams where scottish Welsh or NI folk do well they're 'British' while they're succeeding but if not they're scottish or Welsh etc. Byles ma pish diz that!!!

Sorry I know you asked about rugby!

Because English people never gloat about others losing?

I think the build up about 'England's Road To Glory' was nauseating and it happens every time.

Sprocket 'byles ma pish' love it

So not just the Scottish then.

Well, obviously I can only speak for the fans I know - same as you, I would think.