Rod Stewart faces fan backlash after attending Scotland's World Cup win days after cancelling concert

Rod Stewart was at the centre of a social media storm after attending Scotland’s 1-0 World Cup victory over Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Saturday — just hours after cancelling a concert in Chula Vista, California, due to illness.

The 81-year-old singer, one of Scotland’s most recognisable supporters, had pulled out of his Southern California show citing an acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis, apologising to fans and stating: “Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not.”

Images of Stewart enjoying the occasion in the stands quickly circulated online, prompting a wave of criticism from fans who had been turned away from his Chula Vista gig — many of whom, as the source noted, have little interest in football. The central grievance was straightforward: if Stewart was unwell enough to cancel a professional performance, how was he fit to travel across the country for a football match?

The backlash was softened somewhat by the obvious distinction that attending a game as a spectator places no demands on a singer’s voice. Stewart himself had made clear the specific nature of his condition — laryngitis — rather than a broader physical incapacity.

The controversy arrives during what has been a difficult stretch for the veteran rock star. Earlier in the month, Stewart had also rescheduled several dates from his Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on medical advice while recovering from flu.

On the pitch, Scotland gave their most famous fan plenty to celebrate. John McGinn’s deflected goal proved the difference against Haiti, delivering Scotland their first World Cup victory since a 1-0 win over Norway in 1990 and their first World Cup goal since Craig Burley’s strike at France 98.

Stewart is scheduled to return to performing at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on Monday. Scotland’s next Group C fixture is against Morocco, also at Gillette Stadium, on Friday.