Football Fans and Musicians Fuel Growth of Welsh Independence Movement - Brexit Chaos Emboldens Supporters of Independence

Grŵp ar gyfer cefnogwyr pêl-droed Cymru sy’n cefnogi annibyniaeth i Gymru. (A group for Welsh fans that support Independence for our Nation and our team) - FaceBook Page of Welsh Football Fans For Independence

Hundreds of football fans took to the streets of Cardiff last week demanding independence for Wales. The demonstration in the nation’s capital was spearheaded by the group " Welsh Football Fans For Independence". 

Andrew Benjamin, who set up the social media group in the summer of 2018, made the following statements in connection with the demonstration: ““The idea of Welsh independence is becoming a big thing; you can feel it, and I just wanted to do my part. Being a big football fan, I noticed the connection between the Welsh fans and the support for independence. You see it more at away games - looking at all the flags that are dotted around the away ends when we go around Europe, you get that sense that there is now more of a call for it than ever.”

“Wales-On-Line” reported that hours before kick-off that Womanby Street in Cardiff was a sea of red: “ Fans of all ages gathered to talk about an independent Wales, a notion that has been spoken of for years, but one that seems to be at the forefront of people's minds now more than ever as the United Kingdom continues to argue with itself over Brexit.”

It would be a mistake to tie sentiments for Welsh independence among football fans too closely to the issue of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. Wales at heart has never been a vanquished nation. Sentiments for an independent Welsh speaking Celtic nation have never died.

In 2012 there were press reports that the British Olympics chiefs were furious after Welsh and Scottish players with the “Team Great Britain” soccer squads did not sing “God Save the Queen” in official ceremonies before kick-off.  Welsh players Craig Bellamy, Joe Allen, Neil Taylor and team captain Ryan Giggs all declined to join in the singing of the anthem ahead of the July 28 match with United Arab Emirates.  This was shortly after a controversy was spurred when a “London 2012” spokesperson was forced to apologise to Welsh-speaker Joe Allen after he had been incorrectly listed as English in an official match program.

The current agitation for independence spurred by Brexit is not limited to Footballers and their fans.  Politicians and Musicians are also chiming in on the Brexit call for independence. 

In May of last year Adam Price, the new leader of Plaid Cymru (The Party of Wales, also known as the Welsh Nationalist Party, political party that has sought self-government for Wales and worked for the protection and promotion of Welsh language, culture, and traditions) made strong statements in support of Welsh Independence. Price stated that in light of Brexit that Welsh independence “must be on the table”. Price went on to state that if the UK leave the EU that demands for Scottish independence and “Irish Unity” will lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom. “With Brexit threatening a constitutional crisis - with or without a deal - we must do everything within our power to safeguard Welsh nationhood.”

Notable Welsh musicians are also taking up the mantra for Welsh independence.  The website “Nation – Cymru” reported in late February on the “Yes is More Gig in Cardiff. Welsh musician Cian Ciaran, who attended the event, was quoted;  “there’s something happening…normalizing the discussion of independence as an option. Also attending the event were a number of organizations supporting the cause, including Cymdeithas yr Iaith Cymraeg, CND, and YesCymru. President of Aberystwyth University society YesMyfyrwyr (YesStudents), Morgan Crews, was there to support the gig. “To think that the first gig in support of Indy Wales was sold out… it’s truly inspiring and exciting,” he said. “I think it’s a very significant event for Welsh independence because of the wide range of bands and people who attended.

The international super star Charlotte Church was also in attendance at the Gig.  The BBC reported that Church said it did not matter how people voted in the EU referendum or whether they think Wales should be independent, but she wanted people to talk about the issues. "For me, personally, it's about opening up a conversation and being part of a wider conversation. What might happen if we became independent? "We should really be exploring all of the possibilities. What does it mean to be nationalistic? Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing? What does it all mean in our world?"

 https://nation.cymru/news/keep-independence-momentum-going-after-yes-is-more-gig/

https://www.facebook.com/indywalesfans/

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/hundreds-welsh-football-fans-march-16020876