Scotland fans fumed after being denied a penalty in a brutal late defeat to Hungary that saw them knocked out of Euro 2024.
A late goal for Hungary in their final Group A clash in Germany meant Steve Clarke’s men finished bottom of their group with only a solitary point from their earlier draw with Switzerland.
And their frustration was compounded when Stuart Armstrong was seemingly pulled down in the box when through on goal, but no penalty was given.
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Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Leanne Crichton, former Scotland international said: “It looks like a stonewall penalty. My only concern is that he looked marginally offside.” Meanwhile former Scottish winger Pat Nevin said: “He’s got to look at that, the referee. It looked a clumsy challenge.”
One furious Scotland fan said: “That was a blatant penalty he’s gone through the back of him with no intention of playing the ball.”
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“Stuart Armstrong denied the most blatant penalty you’ll see at this tournament,” a second said. While a third posted: “Scotland have effectively zero attacking quality and have been poor again but they can feel seriously hard done by after having a blatant penalty turned down.”
“Come on!! That was a blatant penalty there. Unless Judo is now part of the game,” a fourth shared. And another added: “Blatant penalty, surely? No clue how that’s been missed.”
Scotland’s penalty shout came after a horror injury to Hungarian striker Barnabás Varga. Varga had been challenging for a free-kick when he collided with an onrushing Angus Gunn.
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There was a lengthy stoppage as shields were placed around Varga as he received treatment. The incident left Liverpool ace Dominik Szoboszlai in tears – and TV cameras cut away from the scenes on the pitch, to give all those involved some privacy.
The Hungarian FA said: “Barnabás Varga’s condition is stable! The player of @Fradi_HU [Ferencvaros] is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart! We will inform you immediately if there is any news about its status!” As a result of the stoppage, there was ten minutes of added time.
Scotland and Hungary, still tied at 0-0, were both pushing for the illusive winner that would, potentially, book their spot in the knockout rounds. Hungary hit the post as Scotland also came close through Scott McTominay.
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And as the Scottish side pushed forwards for a winner, Hungary suddenly found themselves on the break. Roland Sallai found space down the right-hand side, and his cut back found Kevin Csoboth – who poked the ball past Gunn.
Scotland have now been eliminated from Euro 2024, Hungary will have to wait to see if they’re one of the third placed teams to go through.
Speaking afterwards, Scotland captain Andy Robertson said: “There’s nothing really to say to be honest. We gave it everything.
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“We knew we had to win this game, and they’ve hit us on the counter-attack. It could have gone either way, but that’s football – that’s how it goes. It will take a long time to get over this one.
“We had a lot of possession, first half, without doing anything with it. We had to find that cutting edge and go for it a wee bit more. We did go for it, but we got sucker-punched. A draw wasn’t going to be enough realistically.
“Tonight and for a long time we have to get over this. It’s a tough one. It’s devastating. All the lads are absolutely gutted. I will say thank you to all the supporters; sorry for letting you all down.”