MICHAEL Gove has been dubbed “clueless” after trying to schedule a key meeting with the Scottish Government at the same time as the nation’s historic Euros opener.
The men’s national team will end their 23-year exile from major tournament football when they kick-off against the Czech Republic at 2pm.
But that fact seemed to slip Gove’s mind, after he invited devolved administrations to a four-nations conference call at the same time.
Scottish Government officials were taken aback when the Cabinet Office suggested mid-afternoon for the regular meeting.
READ MORE: Scotland v Czech Republic at Euro 2020: When does it start and where can I watch?
A Holyrood source told the Record: "Gove seems utterly clueless. He either doesn't know about the Scotland game, or doesn't care.
"Nicola will be on the call whenever it takes place.
"But the fact the Tories have been trying to arrange a so-called four nations call to clash with one of Scotland's biggest sporting events in decades is ironic. It shows Scotland isn't even on their radar.”
It is understood the Scottish Government did not cite the game as a reason to move the meeting, though there was surprise it was not considered.
The 30-minute meeting has now been set for 1.15pm.
READ MORE: SNP rubbish Alister Jack's claim Australia deal is 'huge opportunity' for Scots
A UK Government spokesman said: "CDL (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster) will host a call on Monday as part of our regular engagement with the devolved administrations.
"The call was moved from an earlier slot to fit with the availability of everyone attending the meeting."
It comes after Downing Street scheduled Boris Johnson’s major G7 summit press conference at the same time as England’s game against Croatia on Sunday.
Nicola Sturgeon's office confirmed last week the First Minister would not be one of the 12,500 supporters who will be in attendance at Hampden today.
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