Bluenose Scotland striker Oli McBurnie has been forced to release a statement on Twitter regarding pulling out of the Scotland squad for the internationals against Israel and the Czech Republic.
The £20m Sheffield United striker courted controversy from some quarters by pulling out of the squad before playing 45 minutes in a pre-season friendly with the Blades.
This naturally angered certain elements of the Tartan Army and McBurnie has sought to douse any flames with an explanation on Twitter.
In the statement, McBurnie explains that he wanted to be involved in the national team set-up but was pulled out at the request of Scotland manager Steve Clarke and Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder.
“Nobody is more frustrated than me,” said McBurnie, who misses out with a foot injury.
“The reality is that I haven’t been able to train at all for the last two weeks due to a cut that became infected.
“Given that pre-season coincides with the Nations League matches, the last thing I wanted to do was let myself or my country down.
“I was ready and willing to give it my best but both managers – probably rightly – took the decision out of my hands.
“Playing a bit longer than I expected in a friendly is a different world to an international double-header but I get how some people perceive it.”
There is a genuine sentiment amongst the Rangers support that Oli McBurnie is given short shrift by some members of the Tartan Army due to his public adoration of the Ibrox club.
https://twitter.com/rfc_flo/status/1301209902375940099
As political tensions have risen in Scotland this has been echoed in the national team’s support with many feeling McBurnie is a bit of whipping boy due to his support of Rangers.
The situation isn’t helped by a fractious relationship between some Rangers and Scotland fans amid claims of booing of Rangers players on international duty.
This is despite official figures showing more members of the Tartan Army support Rangers than any other club.
McBurnie also hasn’t helped himself with previous run-ins with the Scotland support.
The striker was forced to explain himself after he was caught on camera saying “I hope not” when asked if he’d been called up to Scotland duty.
