Rod Stewart under fire for World Cup outing after cancelling concert

• Rod Stewart cancelled California show less than hour before stage time
• Team cited acute upper respiratory infection causing laryngitis
• Fans accused singer of being 'disingenuous' over cancellation

Rod Stewart, the 81-year-old singer-songwriter, was seen cheering for Scotland at the World Cup on Saturday, June 13, just hours after cancelling a concert in California for health reasons.

Stewart shared an Instagram video of himself flying to Boston on a private jet, according to People.

Flying to Boston with his sons

Stewart travelled with his sons Liam, 31, and Alistair, 20. In the clip, he said: "Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup."

He continued: "It's been 28 years so these kids, I've told them about it, but they've never been. I've been to seven World Cups." The trio ended the video by repeating, "No Scotland, no party."

Fans question the timing

The video drew criticism from some fans, who questioned how Stewart had the energy to travel so soon after cancelling his show in Chula Vista, California, less than an hour before he was due on stage.

One user commented: "This feels rather disingenuous, especially after your cancellation last night. Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?"

Another fan wrote: "So you blew off all the people in San Diego that wanted to see you in concert but able to go to the world cup I see! I'm a huge fan of yours but I don't think that's cool."

Later that day, Stewart was seen throwing his arms in the air as he celebrated Scotland's victory against Haiti from the stands.

The cancellation statement

One day before his World Cup appearance, Stewart's team shared a statement on his Instagram Stories. It said he had been diagnosed with "an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis" and was "unable to take the stage this evening" on doctors' advice, despite having already travelled to the venue.

The announcement came less than an hour before the show was due to start. Stewart later added: "Following treatment, I'm feeling much better, but my voice is not. I'm very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight."

Recent tour troubles

Earlier this month, the "Maggie May" singer announced that several of his residency performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas would be rescheduled. His doctor had "ordered a bit more rest" as he recovered from the flu.

Less than a week later, Stewart cancelled four shows and postponed two more on his One Last Time Tour. He wrote on Instagram: "So sorry, my friends. I'm devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans. I'll be back on stage and we'll see you soon - Sir Rod."

His next scheduled performance is at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado on Monday.