Ally McCoist was criticised by World Cup viewers yesterday for asking why fans were booing Morocco’s rape suspect captain Achraf Hakimi.
The former Scottish footballer and TV pundit made the remark while commentating for ITV on Scotland’s game against Morocco who beat the Tartan Army 1-0.
During the match, Scotland fans can be heard relentlessly booing the Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain right-back, who was accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home in a Paris suburb in March 2023.
The noise from the Tartan Army grew particularly loud during a 20th minute corner and after Hakimi fouled Kieran Tierney to stop a counter attack before half-time.
But McCoist, unaware of the allegations against the footballer, said: ‘Not sure what Hakimi has done to upset the locals, but he’s done something.’
Scotland fans scolded his ‘dubious’ commentary on social media for not knowing the Moroccan was a rape suspect.
One X user said: ‘How did Ally McCoist miss this today when he’s a commentator for the game.’
While another fan commented: ‘Has Ally McCoist really just said he doesn’t know why Hakimi is being booed? Glad to see he’s done his research as a commentator.’
Former Scottish footballer and TV pundit, Ally McCoist has been criticised by fans for not knowing why Achraf Hakimi was getting booed
Moroccan international and PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi, pictured, during the match against Scotland
Boston Stadium erupted as the Tartan Army booed Hakimi after a French appeals court confirmed Hakimi will stand trial for rape
Just hours before kick-off at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts on Friday, a French appeals court confirmed that Hakimi, 27, will stand trial for rape.
The defender, who has just won the Champions League for the second straight year with PSG, denies any wrongdoing.
Hakimi released a statement on social media that read: ‘Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: “If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.”
‘I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
‘Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target.
‘I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak.’
Morocco’s three group stage matches have been played in the US, but Hakimi could be refused entry into Mexico or Canada if knockout matches are scheduled there.
Ghanaian midfielder, Thomas Partey, missed his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama after being denied entry into Canada.
Thomas Partey, pictured at a Ghana football photoshoot, was denied entry into Canada to play the first game his nation’s tournament
The Arsenal footballer, 32, pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to accusations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.
Away from the controversy, Boston is set to be twinned with Glasgow after the Tartan Army takeover of the city during their Group C matches.
A letter of intent was signed by Boston mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday at The Haven, city’s only dedicated Scottish bar.
The drinking-hole has served as the unofficial Tartan Army headquarters throughout the tournament.
A formal agreement will be signed in April 2027 during Tartan Week.
