Scotland waited 28 years to get back to the World Cup. It took one controversial refereeing decision to remind everyone why international football can be so cruel.
Steve Clarke’s side lost 0-1 to Morocco on June 19, with Ismael Saibari scoring the only goal. But it wasn’t the scoreline that had Clarke fuming afterward. It was a denied penalty appeal involving midfielder John McGinn that dominated the post-match conversation, with Clarke saying his players were “devastated” by the officiating.
What happened on the pitch
Scotland entered the Morocco match with momentum after beating Haiti in their Group C opener. Morocco, fresh off a 1-1 draw with Brazil, represented a significantly tougher challenge. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists brought tournament pedigree that Scotland, appearing in their first World Cup since 1998, simply didn’t have.
Saibari’s goal proved to be the difference. But the real flashpoint came when Scotland believed they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on McGinn. The referee disagreed.
