Ally McCoist spots the real crime Scotland committed in Germany and it was WORSE than letting the fans down

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Ally McCoist last night claimed Scotland’s players committed the worst sin in football against Germany – they disgraced THEMSELVES.

But the former striker, who suffered his own share of heartbreak playing in front of the Tartan Army, reckons Steve Clarke’s men still have a shot at Euro redemption. McCoist, who is one of ITV’s team of expert summarisers at the tournament, said: “I couldn’t believe what I saw against the Germans. But I don’t agree with the suggestion that Scotland’s players let the country down, let the manager down and let the fans down.

“It was actually more serious than that. They let themselves down – and I can tell you that is the worst thing any player can do. No one expected Scotland to win. But what you do expect from any team representing their country is a bit of fight. They lost without laying a glove on anyone. Scotland were so poor on the night that I don’t actually know whether Germany are good or bad. They only had to turn up to win.”

Clarke and Co travel to Cologne on Wednesday night to face a Switzerland team that beat Hungary 3-1. McCoist has bittersweet memories of scoring the goal that beat the Swiss at Villa Park at Euro 96 – only to miss out on the quarter-finals on goal difference.

He said: “Glorious failure seems to be a part of Scotland’s DNA. One minute I had scored the goal that had sent us through, the next we were out. But that’s the beauty of tournament football. It can turn in a split-second. That’s why we love it. You will see a reaction from this Scotland team – I’m certain of that.”

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