It wasn't a great night to be Scotland boss Steve Clarke on Sunday night as a stoppage time goal from Kevin Csoboth gave Hungary a decisive 1-0 win which left Scotland bottom of Group A and out of Euro 2024.
But the game and their tournament hopes could have turned out differently for the Scots had controversial decision gone there way.
In the 78th minute, Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong was through on goal as he looked to shoot but was taken down by Willi Orbán before he had the chance.
But instead of pointing to the penalty spot, Argentinian referee Facundo Tello gave a free kick to Hungary, with VAR not checking the incident.
🏴 0-0 🇭🇺
Scotland are screaming for a penalty after Stuart Armstrong goes down in the Hungarian box but it's waved away #Euro2024 #SCOHUN
📱 Updates: https://t.co/pj7CsD7CBw
📺 Watch on @rte2 & @rteplayer: https://t.co/uHRfiPJEjQ pic.twitter.com/1fYfosgTDw— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 23, 2024
The decision sparked debate on social media and in post-match punditry and interviews, with Scotland boss Clarke being vocal about the decision in his post-match interview.
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Steve Clarke: "It's a penalty. Nobody can tell me otherwise.
Speaking to ITV after full time, Clarke was questioned on the penalty incident and he made his feelings clear on what he thought should have been given and whether non-Europeans should referee in a European tournament.
"The biggest decision in the match is the penalty," Clarke said after the game.
"It's a penalty. Nobody can tell me otherwise. I've seen it, I've seen it back. It is a penalty and I do not know for the life of me why it was not given."
"The biggest decision in the match is the penalty. It's a penalty! Nobody can tell me otherwise."
A visibly frustrated Steve Clarke spoke to @missconniemac following Scotland's exit from #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/Ikova8dD17— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 23, 2024
'He's from Argentina. How can I ask him?," Clarke added.
"He probably doesn't speak the language. I don't know.
"Why is he here? Why is it not a European referee? Why are VAR looking at that and not given a penalty? I don't understand.
Scotland, despite the disappointment, will be hoping to bounce back in upcoming UEFA Nations League season in September as they prepare for World Cup qualifying next year. Clarke will be hoping to lead the Tartan Army to their first World Cup since 1998.
