Scottish independence referendum: Andy Murray says he has 'no regrets' over declaring support for Yes vote

The British number one posted a tweet just hours before the polls opened last Thursday saying: "Huge day for Scotland today...Let's do this!"

PA

Tweet: Murray faced backlash from some fans

Andy Murray says he has no regrets about declaring his support for Scottish independence on the eve of the referendum.

The 27-year-old Scot and tennis ace had previously remained silent on the issue but posted a message on Twitter just hours ahead of polls opening last Thursday.
Murray, who lives in England and has an English girlfriend, told told his fans that he had been swayed by the negativity of the 'No' campaign.

He tweeted: "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!"Scots rejected independence by a margin of 55% to 45%.

 Asked if he had any regrets about sending the tweet, Murray told the BBC: "I don't regret giving an opinion. I think everyone should be allowed that. The way I did it, yeah, it wasn't something I would do again.

"I think it was a very emotional day for a lot of Scottish people and the whole country and the whole of the UK, it was a big day.
"The way it was worded, the way I sent it, that's not really in my character and I don't normally do stuff like that."
Murray was subjected to online abuse after posting the message on the social media site.

Someone by the name of Harry S who tweets as sportingharry wrote: "Wish u had been killed at Dunblane, you miserable anti-British hypocritical little git. Your life will be a misery from now on."
Murray did not have a vote as he does not live in Scotland.

The 2013 Wimbledon champion had been quizzed on the issue previously but dodged the question,although in an interview in June he criticised Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond for waving the country's flag at the tournament last year.
In 2006, he courted controversy when he said he would support "anyone but England" in the World Cup.
Last month he told the Guardian that he did not think it looked likely the result would be a Yes, but he added that his preference would be to represent Scotland if the country became independent.
He added that he did not like making his views on politics known as previous comments had "caused me a headache ... and a lot of abuse".
The tennis player was among a string of celebrities to be targeted online over their stance on the independence referendum.
Famous people who urged Scots to stay in the UK - such as David Bowie and JK Rowling - found themselves the subject of online abuse from pro-independence supporters.