SCOTLAND fans have hit out at booing aimed at Ryan Jack from within their own support.
The Rangers star started Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cyprus, winning his 15th international cap.
Jack returned to join Celtic skipper Callum McGregor in the heart of Steve Clarke‘s midfield, restoring the partnership that the Scotland boss regularly deployed during the run to Euro 2020 qualification.
After an injury-blighted couple of years, the 31-year old has managed to stay fit this season and has once again become a key man in the Rangers side since Michael Beale‘s appointment as manager in November.
Jack and McGregor has been Clarke’s preferred duo in the middle of the park since becoming Scotland boss, and both players have spoken of their ‘great’ partnership on national team duty, despite their obvious club rivalry.
But while McGregor, who won his 50th cap at the weekend, regularly gets plaudits from the Tartan Army, Jack’s relationship with the national team support hasn’t always been an easy one.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
He was infamously heavily booed on his Scotland debut in a friendly against the Netherlands in November 2017.
That game took place at Pittodrie, with Aberdeen fans on that occasion in an unforgiving mood with Jack having swapped the Dons for Rangers just a few months previously.
While that level of booing from the stands hasn’t been heard again, at least not on international duty, the topic has cropped up in the years that have followed his maiden Scots appearance.
Former Scotland midfielder Lee McCulloch hit out after a section of fans were heard booing Jack during a match with Belgium at Hampden back in 2018.
Most read in Football
And after Saturday’s triumph over Cyprus, a number of Scotland fans took to social media to hit out at fellow supporters who they had heard jeering the Rangers midfielder.
One fan wrote: “I grew up in an era when Celtic players were routinely jeered and insulted when playing for Scotland. Sad to read that similar incidents are still taking place. These ‘fans’ should get a grip or stay at home.”
Another said: “He is Scottish and playing for Scotland. Club rivalries should be put aside.”
A third added: “If that was going on, it’s a disgrace.”
Another said: “Absolutely despise folk who take their club prejudices to a Scotland game.”
A fifth commented: “I don’t get why fans would boo a player for the national team.”
Another fan who was at the game exclaimed: “I’ve been to maybe 20 Scotland games and never heard anyone shouting abuse at a player because of the club they play for. It shocked me a bit.”
An Aberdeen fan added: “Jack was poor yesterday, but people shouldn’t be booing their own team.”
Another supporter said: “His work with McGregor has been crucial to most of our good results. Bizarre reaction every time he plays.”
Next up for Scotland on the road to Euro 2024 is a mouthwatering showdown with three-time continental champions Spain.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Both sides head into tomorrow night’s big Hampden clash on the back of 3-0 wins.
After the Tartan Army beat Cyprus, Spain went on to beat Norway in the same scoreline.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page