KING Charles has called for the Tartan Army to put aside “traditional sporting rivalries” and “cheer with full voice” for England in the World Cup.
Charles offered his “sincere commiserations” to Scotland after they were knocked out of this year’s World Cup following a disappointing group stage campaign.
Returning to the World Cup stage for the first time in 28 years, Scotland won their opening match at the tournament against Haiti, but with defeats to Morocco and Brazil, it was not enough to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The team's elimination was confirmed on Saturday with Croatia’s 2-1 win against Ghana. Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, resigned swiftly after the result.
Following Scotland's bowing out of the tournament, Charles paid tribute to the “joy” the team brought to the nation.
He also called on the Tartan Army, which has been heavily praised by the world’s media throughout the tournament, to turn their support to England.
“To the players, outgoing manager and support staff of Scotland’s football team, I would like to offer you my sincere commiserations on exiting the World Cup,” the King wrote on social media.
“While I know what a huge disappointment this will be – just as it is for New Zealand, who didn’t make it through this time and have my similar sympathies – I hope you may be able to return home with proud hearts for the joy you have given to so many in having qualified for the first time in over 25 years.
“I fear that traditional sporting rivalries mean it may be too much to hope that the devoted Tartan Army of yours will now cheer with full voice for the three other realms still in contention, but my wife and I nonetheless wish England, Australia and Canada the very best of luck for the battles ahead."
The message, which is displayed over a blurred image of Scotland fans, ends with Charles’s signature above a saltire flag.
It comes after Clarke resigned from his position following the national team’s exit from the tournament.
Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments, and it was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.
First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to Clarke for what he had achieved in the role.
“I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT,” the message read.
“He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of.
“I wish him well for the future.”
The First Minister also reposted Clarke’s open letter to supporters, calling it “a fantastic, loving message to Scotland”.
The three-page letter, entitled Bye-Bye Scotland, finished with the words: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now.
“They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.
“Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
