Team Scotland condemns 'abhorrent' racist abuse aimed at its models

Team Scotland has condemned "abhorrent" racist abuse aimed at its models who showcased the new outfits for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.

Numerous racist comments have been made about the models online, accusing them of not being Scottish.

Commonwealth Games Scotland said discrimination had no place in sport and society and gave its full support to the models involved.

One comment on X said: "Modelled on people who aren't Scottish despite Scotland being 96% white. Where's the representation for Scots?"

Another said: "How representative. Any chance the models could actually be Scottish?"

A Team Scotland spokesman said: "Commonwealth Games Scotland condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent online abuse aimed at the models who featured in our Ceremonies Outfit reveal this week.

"Discrimination has no place in sport or society, and we will continue to stand alongside anyone subjected to such comments.

"Adam and Victoria have our full and ongoing support."

Adam, the male model in the photos, wrote on Instagram: "I did not expect this amount of blatant hate and racism.

"I was honoured to have landed the job as the model for the launch of the ceremonial Commonwealth Games outfit of my home country and host nation."

He said he was saddened by the comments which he did not believe were representative of Scottish society.

"I take pride in being from Scotland," he said. "And take pride in the kind, warm and open-minded nature of the people.

"However, it's clear we still have a long way to go.

"If your family, colleagues friends are racist, be the one to break the chain for posterity.

"Please continue to be actively anti-racist in your day-to-day life."

Many more online comments accused Team Scotland of being sexist as some of the photographs showed the female model wearing a mini-kilt and heels.

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies was among those joining the backlash against the outfits.

In a post on X she said: "As a past female elite athlete personally there is no way on earth I'd want to totter around of (sic) 4 inch heels at a long opening ceremony before I was to compete. It was an unwise choice."

She accused Team Scotland of "missing the point somewhat", adding that most people were "having a go at but the overtly sexualised outfit that was chosen for your female athletes".

A post from someone else said: "Come on - mini skirt and heels? Just leeringly creepy for sporting competition."

However, Team Scotland has pointed out that a longer kilt is also an option for female athletes but the shorter kilt had proven more popular with them.

It said shoes were not provided so athletes could choose their own footwear.

The Team Scotland spokesman said: "We do not issue footwear to athletes or team staff as part of the Ceremonies outfit - again they are free to choose the style of footwear they feel most comfortable in."

Other comments accused the organisation of hiring a misogynist male designer.

The designer was in fact a woman - award-winning Siobhan Mackenzie, who also designed outfits for the 2018 and 2022 Games.

The spokesman added: "This summer, Glasgow will welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across the Commonwealth.

"Glasgow 2026 will be a festival of celebration: the most inclusive, community-driven and connected Games yet.

"We look forward to celebrating the power of sport, and our inspiring athletes, in the months to come."