SCOTS tennis star Andy Murray described leading British Olympic hopefuls into the Maracana as a highlight of his career.

Murray held the Union Jack aloft with his left arm - after appearing to struggle with the pole in practice - followed by gleeful Team GB members.

However, not everyone seemed happy with the decision for the defending Olympic champion and two-time Wimbledon winner to bear the Team GB flag for Friday's opening ceremony.

Pictures of Murray holding the flag have stirred protest and confusion among social media users.

Some argue that he is turning his back on his support for Scottish Independence by carrying the British flag.

A Facebook user posted: "I love tennis, and I am a big fan of Andy Murray but I do wonder where his loyalties lie, especially after he chose to side with Scottish Independence before the referendum.

"Now he has decided it's a 'huge honour' to carry the Union Jack flag and "lead out your country" - what country is that Andy?

"Much as I admire him, personally I wouldn't have chosen someone who wants Scotland to break away from the UK to carry the Union Jack.

"I'd have given the honour to someone, whether they be English, Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish, who is proud to be British."

Other Twitter users expressed their views:

Speaking afterwards Andy said: "It was amazing to get to carry the flag and but also be around the rest of the British team and chat to the guys. It's been a really nice atmosphere and I'm obviously really proud to get the opportunity.

"My first thought was 'don't drop it' and I was gripping onto the flag really tight. Then I was just trying to take it all in. The size of the stadium was incredible."