Scotland’s World Cup campaign took a turbulent turn as a fiery Scott McTominay needed calming down during a hydration break in the 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
The Napoli star was visibly seething as Scotland made their way to the touchline during the mandatory break at the 68-minute mark in Boston.
FIFA introduced compulsory hydration breaks at the 23rd and 68th minute of every World Cup match, a move that has drawn widespread criticism as a tactic to insert extra advertising into American broadcasts.
Most managers use the stoppages as an opportunity for additional tactical instructions, with players gathering for a brief team talk while taking on fluids.
McTominay, however, had other things on his mind as he approached the touchline, with ITV cameras briefly capturing him dropping an expletive before cutting away.
The Scotland captain continued to let off steam during the debrief, becoming involved in what appeared to be a heated exchange with defender Jack Hendry, who also had plenty to say.
Veteran midfielder Kenny McLean intervened to diffuse the situation, placing a hand on McTominay’s chest and quietly steering him away from the gathered group of players.
The calming gesture appeared to work, though McTominay’s frustrations mounted further when he was denied what looked like a clear penalty in the 82nd minute.
As he drove into the Morocco box, McTominay appeared to be tripped from behind by Neil El Aynaoui, with VAR ruling the defender had touched the ball despite replays suggesting otherwise.
ITV referee expert Christina Unkel was unequivocal in her assessment of the decision, stating the reviewing officials failed in their duty to recommend a spot kick.
Unkel said: “The first thing you’re looking for as VAR is any touch on that ball and the answer is no. We saw that second replay there and exactly what I was looking for, there was no contact on that ball. There is a trip up from behind, contact on the left lower leg.”
She added: “For this, I do think there is a missed incident from the VAR to recommend a penalty as well as the referee to not make a decision on penalty. I know this referee is calling a more physical game but it is a very clear penalty in my opinion.”
Former Scotland striker and ITV co-commentator Ally McCoist agreed the Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev had made an error in waving play on.
McCoist said: “I did say when I watched it second time there is a challenge on the left leg. But I did say I’m enjoying the referee allowing the game to go. However, Christina is right, he did get that one wrong.”
The defeat leaves Scotland facing serious questions about their World Cup prospects after a result that hinged on both refereeing controversy and apparent tensions within the squad itself.
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