It's often said that a newspaper can be judged by the company it keeps, but in this case, The National has found itself at the receiving end of widespread criticism after publishing what was meant to be nothing more than "a lighthearted joke" on its front page. In an effort to spark some humor and light-heartedness into their publication's presentation for that day they decided it would try something new by placing Spanish star Rodri in a comical situation where he is seen kicking England supporters, which was meant as no more than just another article added onto the mix of entertainment but has been met with considerable backlash. The National did not mean to offend or tease their English counterparts and quickly admitted that "we crossed into an area we previously hadn't thought existed", despite this they also acknowledged having made what would be a lighthearted joke, albeit one which many found distasteful.Many of the readers who commented online were quick to label The National as being anti-English or even worse still suggesting it had "crossing into mockery" against them. In response, those at The Scottish newspaper replied by claiming that they never set out with such an intention and rather took a more lighthearted stance than what was originally intended - but then went to admit the reality of having 'gone too far' in its poor depiction of England supporters being portrayed as overweight which is said not be have been done lightly. Moreover, this incident isn't just any run-of-the-mill publication problem; instead it points out a bigger picture where people can see that The National was simply trying to create some form of satire but ended up crossing the line.
Despite having received considerable flak for publishing such an image - which did show England supporters in quite negative light, many have come forward and labelled them as "lazy" while others still believe they are indeed 'crossing into mockery'. However with so much pressure now on The Scottish newspaper it is clear that there's a limit to what can be said without being caught out for doing something wrong. It appears the publication was only trying to make lighthearted jokes but ended up crossing over into topics which were not thought about beforehand; however this does go some way in explaining how they didn't think so much of England supporters.
But that's just an excuse - many would say The National simply crossed a line by being too quick and loose with their depictions, it all points towards them believing there is more to be said on the matter than what has been initially given. Furthermore this highlights another interesting point regarding how lighthearted jokes can often cross into areas not thought about beforehand - or even ones you're trying desperately hard at 'crossing' off onto other topics of conversation, which as it turns out isn't always possible without someone being hurt along the way.
The fact that The National were quick to come forward and explain their side in this matter does show they are willing to put themselves up for scrutiny - however there is still a long road ahead before people will look at them with kind eyes once more. In many instances, it has been pointed out how newspapers can get away from being held accountable purely on the fact that what was written wasn't actually 'crossing' into anything of actual bad taste; but in this case The National showed themselves up as not having done so and therefore must be willing to put their side of things forward.
In an ideal world, perhaps there would have been a greater understanding shown between both parties involved here - England supporters being stereotyped through what was seen by many readers isn't just another run-of-the-mill publication problem; instead it's one which points out the bigger picture where people can see that The National were simply trying to create some form of satire but ended up crossing over into topics not thought about beforehand. This does highlight how lighthearted jokes are often crossed unintentionally by those who make them - meanwhile also bringing attention towards what has been said regarding England supporters being stereotyped in the media.
In a surprise revelation, it's actually worth noting that many of their readers have come forward to voice support for The National and its employees following this publication scandal. One might assume these people would be backing up companies such as theirs - who appear not dissimilar from other pro-Scottish independence newspapers recently published in Scotland due largely because they've managed so far, however the reactions received do point out there is a certain level of sympathy with them now being shown to have been "crossing over" into this joke. But many others will say that any such apology comes at great cost and ultimately only serves as an illustration for those who claim The National aren't taking their stance against England supporters seriously enough, rather than the actual reality behind it.
In conclusion we can see how certain publications are able to be light-hearted in tone but then still manage crossing into deeper topics. In this instance however they weren’t even trying - with everyone involved now understanding that there
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