Unstoppable Thunderbolt or Unlucky Decision? The Controversy Behind Scott McTominay's Disallowed Free-Kick in Scotland's Spain Defeat

Scotland manager Steve Clarke is adamant that Scott McTominay's free-kick would not have been blocked by the Spanish team, despite it being disallowed for offside due to Jack Hendry's involvement in the play. This unfortunate decision marked the end of Scotland's impressive winning streak as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Spain in their recent European Qualifier match in Seville. Alvaro Morata and Oihan Sancet secured the victory for the hosts.

There was initial confusion regarding the decision as the stadium screens displayed that the goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Hendry on goalkeeper Unai Simon. However, UEFA later clarified that the disallowance was actually due to offside and interference with play by Hendry.

"At that moment, we believed it was a goal," mentioned Clarke, whose team would have advanced with a draw. "When the referee is instructed to review it, it's likely to be ruled out. They have made their decision, and there is no need for me to dwell on it."

There was some confusion at the time regarding whether it was considered offside or a foul on the keeper. Taking both factors into account, it appears that Jack Hendry was slightly offside. Additionally, when he moved towards the goalkeeper, it was interpreted as him being involved in the play. However, let me assure you, regardless of Jack Hendry's position, the keeper would not have been able to make that save.

Scotland still has a chance to qualify for next year's European Championship if Spain manages to secure at least a point in their upcoming Group A qualifying match against Norway in Oslo on Sunday.

They will have the chance to do it themselves against Georgia and Norway next month and Clarke was once again pleased with the performance of his ever-improving side.

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McTominay's goal was ruled out in Seville

Clarke stated that the purpose of their presence was to demonstrate their cohesion as a team, and he believes that they successfully achieved that objective during the night. He also mentioned that although this match was the initial opportunity to secure qualification, it is also possible that their fortunes may be influenced by the outcome of Sunday night's game. Nonetheless, he emphasized that their qualification would not solely rely on that result, but rather on the diligent effort they have put in to accumulate 15 points from six games.

As a result, our qualification depends on the outcome of the weekend. If we do not achieve a favorable result and Norway wins, we still have a highly feasible opportunity to win this section in the two games scheduled for November. This will be our main focus. Although we are content with our performance, the team is genuinely disheartened by the loss as our intention was not to come here and be defeated.

The Scotland manager commented that it is currently too soon to assess the extent of the shoulder injury sustained by the captain and Liverpool defender, Andy Robertson. During the match, Robertson had to leave the field before halftime and used his shirt as an improvised sling.

"It's always unfortunate when you lose a player in a specific position," the manager stated. "First, we lost Kieran [Tierney], and now Andy has picked up a shoulder injury."

"We'll see how it is and how it settles down. Hopefully, he's good for his club as soon as possible and ready to help us in November."

McGinn: Circumstances made winning impossible

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Spain emerged victorious in the Group A game with a resounding 2-0 win. Throughout the match, Clarke fervently encouraged his team to maintain composure despite the contentious nature of McTominay's goal being disallowed. However, the decision left John McGinn perplexed and questioning the rationale behind it.

In a conversation with Viaplay, vice-captain McGinn expressed his frustration regarding the changes made during the game. He emphasized that this situation highlights the lack of clarity and obviousness.

When Jack made the decision to step to the other side at that moment, it was clear that there was no chance of him saving it.

"In the beginning, he declares it as a foul, but then revises it to an offside once he realizes it is not a foul.

"It's a devastating blow. That goal ensures our qualification. They must score two now. I empathize with big Scott [McTominay], but sometimes fortune favors you, and tonight it was not meant to be."

We shouldn't be too disheartened. Our goal was to qualify tonight, and we had the ability to achieve it. We desire to secure our own qualification, rather than relying on other teams.

Unfortunately, the crucial moments didn't favor us. Nevertheless, it is evident that we can still enhance our performance, but we certainly put in a tremendous effort.

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Scotland were left feeling hard done by in Spain

"We knew a point would get us there, and it's a really tough one to take with a sore blow losing Robbo so early.

After initially believing we were in the lead, the situation turned against us and we decided to regroup. However, our opponents managed to score the first goal - perhaps we could have defended it more effectively, but it was a difficult setback to accept.

Throughout the game, we competed for extended periods, but winning in this environment was challenging. Considering the circumstances, it was nearly impossible.

From a Scottish perspective, whether on the field, in the stands, or on the sidelines, it seemed unlikely that we would receive a favorable call during that match. The constant denial of 50-50 balls and fair challenges made it incredibly challenging for us to achieve any success against a team of such high caliber.

"You need a perfect performance to win here, and it was never going to happen."

Analysis: Were Scotland unlucky not to score?

David Marshall, a former Scotland international, expressed his thoughts on We News regarding the remarkable free-kick that found its way into the top corner. However, Marshall indicated that Hendry was offside by half a yard and, regrettably, impeding the goalkeeper.

Spain has received a significant break, providing Scotland with a tremendous boost in confidence.

While there was a foul committed, the offender influenced Simon's positioning by running across him and making minimal contact. However, the offender was in an offside position when it occurred, so Spain cannot legitimately protest. Nonetheless, the situation is highly unfortunate.

Spain put in a tremendous effort as they completely controlled possession and had numerous clear opportunities throughout the game. Scotland, on the other hand, had a few chances of their own, including a disallowed goal in the second half. However, facing Spain on their home turf is always a challenging task, as they are considered one of the top European teams.

Scotland are still in a favorable position to claim victory in the group, despite a few lapses in concentration and an unfortunate slip by Hickey resulting in conceding the second goal.

This was anticipated to be a challenging evening, but Scotland performed admirably, displaying resilience and successfully navigating the first half. However, Spain's persistent control over possession eventually proved decisive.

Everyone would have eagerly accepted the opportunity they presently have. Although reaching Germany tonight would have been fantastic, I am confident that Scotland will make it there, whether it happens this weekend or next month.

Steve has assembled an impressive team, instilling them with great determination to come here and defend admirably. They were unlucky not to score first tonight, and it would have been intriguing to witness the course of the game had they done so.

"Plenty of positives though and let's see how Spain and Norway get on at the weekend..."

McKenna: Disallowed goal lifted Spain

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McTominay's free-kick was ruled out with the scoreline at 0-0

Scotland defender Scott McKenna on Viaplay:

"It's frustrating that the goal was disallowed, as I believe there wasn't a strong reason for it to be invalid. Had the goal been allowed, it would have significantly shifted the game in our favor.

"We successfully silenced their supporters, and the decision to disallow the goal reinvigorated them and allowed them to regain momentum."

Aaron Hickey has been exceptional since joining us, but unfortunately, Ryan Porteous's attempt to rescue the situation ends up hitting their player and results in a goal.

We still have control over topping the group as there are a few games scheduled for next month. If we manage to win them, we will achieve that goal.

"Obviously there's a game this weekend between Spain and Norway which could go in our favour too, so there's still plenty to look forward to."