Achraf Hakimi was jeered by Scotland fans during Morocco’s 1-0 victory in Foxborough – the boos echoing the decision of a French appeals court that rejected the PSG defender’s appeal to have a rape trial dismissed. The 27-year-old, who has repeatedly denied the allegations, will now stand trial after more than three years of legal proceedings, though no date has been set.
The jeers came on a night when Scotland’s World Cup knockout hopes stayed alive despite the defeat, leaving Steve Clarke’s side third in Group C with three points after a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 loss to Morocco. They now head to Miami for a date with destiny – a glamour game against Brazil in one of the coolest cities on the planet.
“Scotland fans boo Achraf Hakimi after rape trial appeal rejected; Tartan Army heads to Miami with hope.”
But the Tartan Army leaves Boston reluctantly. For a whole generation, this is a first World Cup, and Boston has been unforgettable. The streets echo with Underworld’s “Born Slippy”, hairs standing on the back of necks, eyes watering. Locals gawped and filmed the visitors in awe, asking where they could buy the pink (salmon) shirt. Billboards now advertise the possibility of owning a professional Scottish club. Bostonians have fallen for the Scots, and vice versa.
The break-up will be tough: Saltires no longer droop from hotels, John McGinn’s name won’t keep them up at night, and cones will no longer land on statues. Boston Common will no longer be the central meeting place, nor will the Tartan Army pack out Fenway Park. But there appears to be a night lined up with the Miami Marlins – know your audience.
Scotland’s position is as good as many could have hoped after a 36-year wait for a win on the biggest stage. But the Hakimi affair cast a shadow. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said: “After more than three years… this decision brings her relief and hope. Relief that she has been heard by the justice system. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence.” Hakimi wrote on X: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’ … I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
During ITV commentary, Scotland legend Ally McCoist remarked: “I don’t know what Hakimi has done to upset the locals.” The comment sparked criticism on social media, with one X user asking: “How did Ally McCoist miss this today when he’s a commentator for the game?” Another said: “Has Ally McCoist really just said that? Glad to see he’s done his research as a commentator.”
Now the Tartan Army heads to Miami, where something enchanting might need to occur for Scotland to secure what they set out to do.