Scotland fans take aim at Lineker over ‘very disrespectful’ Steve Clarke comment

SCOTLAND fans were left unimpressed with Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host’s comment about national team boss Steve Clarke.

The former England striker was fronting the BBC‘s coverage of the Euro 2024 clash between Portugal and the Czech Republic.

3

3

And during half-time of what was the final game of the first round of group fixtures, attention turned to Scotland.

The Scots face Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday night looking to make amends for Friday’s thumping 5-1 defeat to hosts Germany in the Euros opener.

After discussing the events from their live game, Lineker threw to an interview with Clarke.

Lasting a few minutes, the Scotland boss answered questions from Eilidh Barbour, the BBC’s roving reporter on all things Tartan Army at the finals.

But it was what they heard AFTER the interview had concluded that left Scots fans unhappy.

Throwing back to Lineker, Barbour said: “Steve thank you very much and the Scotland fans are currently dancing in the rain in Cologne, let’s see if they’re dancing in here tomorrow night.”

Picking things back up in the studio as the Group A table was shown, Lineker said: “You’ve got to love Steve Clarke’s energy and enthusiasm there…” – before chuckling with laughter and reading over the group table.

The comment left plenty of Scotland fans unimpressed and they took to social media to have their say.

One punter said: “Gary Lineker making sarcy comments about Steve Clarke’s ‘energy and enthusiasm.'”

Another added: “Was that a dig by Gary Lineker at Steve Clarke? Unnecessary.”

A third commented: “Just saw that. Very disrespectful to Sir Stevie.”

A fourth added: “Thank god we have BBC Scotland commentary tomorrow night.”

STRACHAN’S VIEW

By GORDON STRACHAN

NOT once during my time as Scotland manager did I raise my voice to a player.

I never got angry, didn’t ever lose my temper.

I spoke to the players calmly as a group, and would have private little conversations with individuals if I felt I had to.

Maybe pull a couple of boys aside at the same time, two midfielders or two defenders, and say, ‘C’mon, now’.

The business of international football management just doesn’t allow for ranting or raving in the changing room or team hotel.

You can get away with that as a club boss, sure — and I had my moments at Celtic, let me tell you.

But when players are leaving behind their families for days or weeks at a time to come away and play for their country, you have to tread very carefully.

So when Steve Clarke talked about kicking backsides after the performance against Germany, don’t get a picture in your head of him losing the plot with them. It just wouldn’t have happened.

No, he would have been measured in everything he said to the group, and then had quiet conversations with the ones he needed to.

Back when I played for Scotland, even Sir Alex Ferguson calmed down.

Read Gordon Strachan’s SunSport column in full HERE

Radio presenter Ewen Cameron blasted: “Do you think he’d say the same thing about Gareth Southgate? Doubt it.”

Other punters rushed to defend Lineker, insisting it was nothing more than a joke and a bit of banter.

As the conversation continued, Lineker declared his hopes that Scotland will be able to recover from Friday night and get something out of the finals.

It’s a must not lose game for Scotland against Switzerland in Cologne.

Go Ballistic – SunSport’s new podcast

SUNSPORT is going Ballistic with the launch of our brilliant new podcast.

Every day of the Euros host Roger Hannah will bring you all the latest news and views from the Scotland camp in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

He will be joined by our men in Germany – Bill Leckie, Robert Grieve and Derek McGregor.

And there will also be special guest appearances from our Euro 2024 columnist Gordon Strachan, regular columnist Kris Boyd and bookie basher Jim Delahunt.

You can watch every episode on our website or our brand new YouTube channel.

What are you waiting for, it’s time to Go Ballistic!

A defeat will see us all but eliminated, while a win would put is in a great position to qualify out of a group stage for the first time ever.

A draw wouldn’t be a disaster either but a win is certainly the aim.

Speaking about tomorrow night, Lineker added: “There are so many Scottish fans here, they’re everywhere. It would be great for them to get something to shout about.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page