A LEADING lawyer, who represented a racially abused Rangers player, has praised the Scotland team's decision to take a knee against England. 

Aamer Anwar was among those to back the move by Steve Clarke's men, which was made earlier today following a backlash at their plans to stand before the sides' Euro 2020 clash next week. 

The Scots were criticised in some quarters for opting against making the gesture, with a number of Glasgow's politicians accusing the team of "sending the wrong message" in the fight against racism. 

READ MORE: Scotland will take knee at Wembley against England in solidarity pledge

Following crunch talks this morning and discussions with Mr Anwar, the Scotland boss confirmed his players would join their English counterparts in taking a knee before the Wembley clash but continue to take a stand in their other matches. 

Mr Anwar, whose client Glen Kamara was called a "f****** monkey by Slavia Prague player Ondrej Kudela in a game earlier this year, said: "In the context of the racist abuse of my client Glen Kamara, [taking a stand] was a signal by many in Scottish football to the authorities such as UEFA, that they needed to do much more than engage in tokenistic gestures against racism. 

Glasgow Times: Scotland's players will take the knee against opponents England next week Scotland's players will take the knee against opponents England next week

"However, as I stated publicly in the last 24 hours, what counts is solidarity in the fight against racism, which should transcend football rivalries, even the oldest one between England and Scotland. 

"The optics of watching the racists and far-right cheering on the Scotland team for standing, as they abused the English team for taking the knee, would have been deeply shameful for our nation as well as the Euros.

"So the decision this afternoon by the Scotland National Team to unite in solidarity against the racists who have attacked a young black and white England team is the right one and one we can all be proud of." 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also praised the announcement, saying it was a "good decision", which came after several city politicians, including councillors Greg Hepburn and Ruari Kelly, had criticised the original move. 

Clarke said: "I explained in March the rationale behind the squad decision: not only is it consistent with the collective approach from Scottish football above but the purpose of taking the knee, to raise awareness and help eradicate racism in football and society, has been diluted and undermined by the continuation of abuse towards players.

Glasgow Times: Nicola Sturgeon also praised the move Nicola Sturgeon also praised the move

"For the avoidance of doubt: me, my coaching staff, my players and my backroom team take a stand against racism and all forms of unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across society. 

READ MORE: Glasgow's politicians criticise Scotland's decision to not take the knee during Euro 2020

"We do so to raise awareness of the ongoing problem but also as a reminder to those who have the ultimate power and responsibility to implement meaningful change. 

"In light of divisive and inaccurate comments being perpetuated by individuals and groups, whose views we denounce in the strongest terms, we have reflected today as a group."