Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Scotland’s players have been savaged by a prominent football pundit following their dismal World Cup showing, with accusations of cowardice cutting deep into the camp.
Steve Clarke’s side are heading home barring an improbable set of results after back-to-back defeats to Morocco and Brazil left their tournament in tatters.
The campaign began with a narrow win against Haiti, but that early promise quickly evaporated as Scotland struggled to compete at the highest level.
Their performance against Brazil in Miami drew the most fury, leaving Scotland plummeting down the standings among third-placed teams across all groups.
Top Russian football TV pundit and former agent Timur Gurtskaya did not hold back, drawing a sharp and damning contrast between the players and their travelling supporters.
He highlighted the passion and commitment shown by the famous Tartan Army in the stands, arguing the team on the pitch failed to match even a fraction of that energy.
“The Scotland fans came to the game against Brazil wearing kilts and gave everything,” Gurtskaya said, delivering his verdict in characteristically blunt fashion.
“The Scotland team players turned up in skirts on the pitch and gave nothing,” he continued, in a cutting comparison that is sure to sting inside the Scotland dressing room.
Gurtskaya acknowledged the enormous quality gap between Scotland and a top-tier nation like Brazil, but argued that effort and spirit should never be optional regardless of the opponent.
“Scotland are a rather spineless team,” he said plainly, refusing to soften his assessment despite the difficult circumstances Clarke’s men faced throughout the tournament.
“Of course they don’t have the class to play and go toe-for-toe against Brazil because they are a top team,” he added, showing some understanding of the talent disparity involved.
“But at least fight, fight, fight. Foul them at least once or something and be annoying,” Gurtskaya urged, capturing the frustration felt by Scottish football supporters watching from afar.
The criticism lands at a painful moment for Scottish football, with Clarke’s project now facing serious questions about the national team’s readiness for elite international competition.
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