England manager Gareth Southgate has criticised the treatment of defender Harry Maguire, claiming the hostile treatment from Scotland fans towards him is as a result of “idiots from our side”.
The Manchester United defender came on at half-time of England’s 3-1 win over Scotland to a hostile reception from the opposition fans, which was made worse when he scored an own goal to make it 2-1 before Harry Kane sealed the win for the Three Lions.
Maguire has fallen out of favour at his club and his continued selection for England has been the subject of widespread criticism, something Southgate believes is unfair.
“It’s a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time,” the England boss said of the reception from Scotland fans towards Maguire.
“It’s a joke, I’ve never known a player treated like he is, not by the Scottish fans, by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is.
“They’ve created something that’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen.
“Every time he goes on the field the resilience he shows, the balls he shows, is absolutely incredible. He’s a top player. We’re all with him, our fans were brilliant with him tonight.”
“The reaction tonight is a consequence from idiots from our side who have created that environment.”
