Piers Morgan has ignited a fierce debate after expressing his hope that Scotland endures a 'terrible tournament' at the World Cup, reigniting the age-old rivalry between England and Scotland. Both nations are currently competing in the major event, and the banter between the two sides has intensified.
Scotland Fans Take Over Boston
Over the past few weeks, Scotland fans have taken over host city Boston as droves of the Tartan Army arrived to celebrate their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Adorning the streets with kilts, bagpipes, pints, and songs, many Bostonians have admitted they don't want the Scots to leave. The celebrations reached new heights when Scotland won their game against Haiti on Sunday, June 15, placing them at the top of the group.
Morgan's Controversial Comments
Despite the high morale, Piers Morgan has stated he wants the Scots to 'lose every game'. The controversial presenter claimed that the majority of Scots do not want England to thrive, and as such, he feels the same way about Scotland. He shared his hope for Scotland to have a 'terrible tournament' during an appearance on talkSport with Scottish presenter Jim White.
Morgan said: 'I think the thing is I share the view of Scotland that they all share about England, which is not a single Scottish fan in the world, including you Mr White if you're honest, ever actually wants anything to happen to England but a crushing, humiliating defeat. That is part of the England/Scotland banter. So in the same spirit, I obviously wish Scotland nothing but an ignominious, terrible tournament in which they lose every game eight-nil.'
Praise for the Tartan Army
While White jokingly called Piers' comments 'disgraceful', the 61-year-old did take a moment to praise the Tartan Army, who are currently making headlines in American media. Morgan added: 'But actually I think the thing about the Scots which I love, and I love Scotland, is the fans have already won the fans of the tournament. The Tartan Army on their travels in their first World Cup in nearly three decades has been fantastic. So I think your fans are brilliant. Scots are brilliant.'
However, he doubled down and added: 'But I wish you nothing but ignominious failure Jim for the same reasons that if you're honest, you want England to lose every game.' Morgan then tried to test Jim by asking him to say 'I want England to win the World Cup', to which Jim quickly replied: 'I'm not going to do that.'
Fans Impress Locals
During their time in the States, the Tartan Army have surprised many locals in Boston with their cheerful, welcoming behaviour, as well as their ability to drink. While there have been many clips on social media of Scots partying in the host city, the fans have still shown respect for the area by cleaning up after themselves and their shenanigans.
In a viral clip posted on TikTok, a city worker praised the Scots for conducting themselves with 'class' and 'dignity' while in town for the World Cup. Showing Fenway after the Tartan Army's party at the weekend, the worker said: 'After they're gone, I'm one person cleaning up after them and it ain't that bad. They conducted themselves with class, dignity and they like our city. So I'm happy they came.'
