BBC SPORT pundits Neil McCann and Tom English became embroiled in a huge row over Scotland’s World Cup campaign live on air.
The duo were discussing on Wednesday night – a result which could see them drop out of contention for the knockout stages.
Neil McCann vehemently defended Scotland after the 3-0 loss to Brazil Credit: Kenny Ramsay
Tom English had suggested that Scotland were not good enough to compete Credit: BBC
English had suggested that Scotland were not good enough to compete at the same level as their rivals.
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock boss McCann vehemently defended the Tartan Army in a four-minute spat.
He even went as far as to say that English – who previously wrote an award-winning book about Irish rugby – should “stick to the egg-chasing” after berating his comments.
English sparked the row on BBC Sportsound by saying: “They [Scotland players] desperately tried to overcome their own shortcomings, but they couldn’t do it because they’re not good enough.
“They’re not good enough technically, they’re not good creatively, they’re not good in terms of ruthless execution of the chances that they make. They’re not good enough at this level.”
McCann immediately replied: “Tom, what an assault on a group of individuals that’s done something special getting here!
“I’m not having it either, by the way. I think you’re bang out of order to let go and just pull the shutters down like that, honestly.
“You’re bang out of order, Tom, honestly, man. You’ve got a guy who’s voted the best midfielder in Italy, in Lewis Ferguson.
Scotland are now on the verge of being knocked out of the World Cup Credit: Getty
“You’ve got a guy who’s up for discussions in . You’ve got the captain of just won the . That’s a joke, by the way. Behave yourself.”
English also suggested that McCann was “too emotionally involved” and accused him of “ignoring the evidence” in front of him.
The Kilmarnock manager hit back and said: “By the way, Tom, you’re getting ridiculous, by the way. I’m emotionally involved?
“I’m just pointing out your comments are bang out of order. I’ve just pointed out three massive facts here that you’re saying they’re not good enough. They’re not technically gifted.”
But English doubled down on his stance, adding: “They’re not technically good enough. At this level, against this team, against , technically they’re not good enough against Morocco and against . And they struggled against Haiti.”
That prompted McCann to say: “Stick to the egg-chasing, Tom, if you’re thinking that’s good enough…”
Aberdeen legend Willie Miller eventually had to step in to stop the argument from escalating.
The result left Scotland third in Group C with just three points.
They now must wait to see if they progress to the knockouts as one of the top eight third-placed teams.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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