'I feel sorry for Scotland - somebody is letting down this country on a massive scale' - Ian Wright launches scathing attack on state of Scottish game

Scott McTominay looks dejected following Scotland's 3-0 defeat to Brazil
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Scottish football needs a 'bolder, braver vision' if the national side are to kick on from their current position, according to Ian Wright.

The former England and Arsenal striker, who also had a brief spell at Celtic, says he feels sorry for Scottish fans who have endured decades of watching their side struggle to qualify for major tournaments.

Their 3-0 defeat to Brazil now leaves Scotland hanging on to see if three points and a goal difference of minus three will be enough to get them into the knockout stage of a competition for the first time in their history.

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"There's got to be a bolder, braver vision for Scottish football" - Ian Wright

Scotland finished the group stage in third place and uncertain if they had done enough to progress on the night

Scotland fans have had decades of misery (Image credit: Getty Images)

Wright drew a comparison with the Norwegian league as a potential example for Scotland to follow.

Both countries have populations in the region of 5.5m-5.6 people - but Norway has produced world-class players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, and last season saw Bodo/Glimt reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Speaking on ITV, Wright said of the Scottish international side: "What was it, two shots on target in [their first] two games, and none in the Morocco game?

"I feel I feel sorry for Scotland, I feel sorry for the fans, I feel sorry for everything. I think Laura [Woods] asked me a question the other day about Scotland: 'What can they do next?' And I think it goes a lot deeper than that.

"I think when you look at Norway, a country the same same size as Scotland...[the Norwegian league is] averaging 6,000-7,000 on a weekly basis in attendance.

"In Scotland, they're averaging 16,000 - but Norway have managed to get broadcast deal that was £25m more a year than Scotland.

"Obviously they've got a better commercial outfit than [Scotland] - but at the same time, you look at Scotland and their raw materials, you're looking at amazing attendances; talents; you're looking at storylines; you're looking at grassroots participation.

Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in action in the Champions League

Bodo/Glimt played Champions League football in a stadium holding just 8,270 fans last season (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Somebody in Scotland is letting down this country on a massive scale.

"[The fans are] very proud of them, going all over the world on tour.

"But they (the Scottish game) have got to do more. There's got to be a bolder, braver vision for Scottish football, for me."

Steven Chicken

Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.

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