'Disloyal' Andy Murray Blasted for Views on Scottish Independence

Andy Murray is likely to get less cheer the next time he plays Wimbledon. The player had shown his support for independence in the referendum on September 18. While 55.3% voted 'No' in the referendum question - Should Scotland be an independent country, Murray since has become a target of a negative campaign online.

According to a survey posted by UK's Dailymail, a significant 21% said they were less likely to support Murray during tennis events. This is largely being attributed to his tweet a day before the referendum. "Huge day for Scotland today! no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. excited to see the outcome. lets do this!" he had written on the micro-blogging website.

While he had remained silent on the issue for years, his tweet was received with mixed reactions by his fans. Post the polling result though, the 27-year-old Wimbledon champion has been slammed by many, some even going to the extent of calling him 'disloyal.'

The BBC reports that many have targeted Murray for his views on Scotish independence. Such is the nature of the messages that Police Scotland have described most as 'vile.' "People who put abuse such as this online should be utterly ashamed of themselves for making such vile, disgusting and distasteful comments," Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins was quoted as saying. "We are monitoring social media and where appropriate will take action against those involved."

Haters have also blasted Murray for saying that he would play for Scotland if independence was voted for. "If Scotland became independent, then I imagine I would be playing for Scotland," he was quoted as saying by British press last month.

The recent developments though have triggered a sharp reaction in Murray's defence as well. "Insulting 'disloyal' Andy Murray is disgusting," read a Telegraph.co.uk headline which explained why the tennis star was still Britain's hero despite his views on Scottish independence. Interestingly, the reader comments on the story were in stark contrast as well. While one surfer said Murray was entitled to his own opinion, another wrote that Murray should return his Olympic medals which he won for Britain.