Giggs plays down row after Welsh players snub pre-match anthem again

Posted Monday, July 30, 2012 by Dailymail

Ryan Giggs insisted it made no difference whether or not Great Britain's Welsh players sang the national anthem at the Olympics after helping make Games history.

The 3-1 victory over UAE at Wembley was Team GB's first of London 2012 and therefore their first at an Olympics for 52 years, while captain Giggs became the oldest scorer in the tournament's 88-year history when he gave them a half-time lead.

Giggs and fellow Welshmen Craig Bellamy and Joe Allen caused a row during their side's opening 1-1 draw against Senegal on Thursday by not singing God Save the Queen.

Giggs plays down row after Welsh players snub pre-match anthem again
Keeping quiet: Ryan Giggs (right) again refused to sign the National Anthem against the UAE

They were silent during the anthems again on Sunday and Giggs said afterwards: 'It's a personal thing.

'The British anthem is the same for a Welshman, Scotsman or an Englishman.

'It's difficult but it's not an issue for us. It might be for other people but, once the game starts, we're all pulling in the same direction and I think that's the main thing.'

Team GB's final group game against Uruguay takes place at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium where Giggs, Bellamy and Allen can expect a hero's welcome.

'he national anthem may not be so warmly received in the Welsh capital.

'I hope it won't get booed and I hope the fans will get behind us as they have in our first two games,' Giggs said.

'It will mean a lot to all of the Welsh lads to play in our own stadium, our own back yard so it will be a great occasion.'

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