Tartan Army will boycott World Cup

Fan spokesman Hamish blasts Fifa decision over kingdom's poor human rights record

-  MARK MCGIVERN

THE Tartan Army may choose to swerve Saudi Arabia when the World Cup gets there in 2034 - if Scotland qualify.

Scotland fans - like millions worldwide reacted with dismay to news the controversial mega-billions state is hosting the world's biggest sporting competition.

Many have stated a belief that Saudi Arabia hosting was inevitable, after rules were changed before bids were posted, which made it possible for it to take pole position.

Tartan Army west of Scotland spokesman Hamish Husband said few Scots will make the trip to the Middle East in 2034 if our squad continues to dazzle.

He said: "I can't say I'm surprised that Saudi got the nod because Fifa does as it pleases.

"There seemed an inevitability about Saudi Arabia getting what it wants because it is becoming superpower in sport.

"But I can say for a fact I won't be going if Scotland qualifies and I can't think of many people I know who will go either." Hamish said many Scotland fans will agree that the Saudis' record on human rights means a line in the sand must be drawn.

He said: "I don't want to get too political but the human rights problems that we read about are very real.