IT was the moment the whole of Scotland thought they were going to actually do it as Stuart Armstrong was bundled down in the Hungary box.
Cries for a penalty rang around the Stuttgart Arena, but the Tartan Army were denied their chance of a late goal as referee Facundo Tello waved play on.
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Steve Clarke fumed at the decision at full-time and Scotland fans across the country – and Germany – were left gobsmacked by the whistler’s decision.
Even England legends Alan Shearer and Ian Wright claimed the ref got the big call wrong.
But Celtic legend, and former team-mate of Shearer, Chris Sutton insists it was the right call and has instead taken aim at Armstrong over his decision making in the lead up to the flashpoint.
Addressing the incident on BBC 606, he said: “There will be Scotland fans out there saying ‘we should have been awarded a penalty’ – but it wasn’t awarded.
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“I know, I have looked at social media and there are some big hitters out there saying it should have been a penalty – I didn’t think it was a penalty.
“I think Stuart Armstrong – I don’t know why he doesn’t try and get a shot off, I think all he is thinking about is trying to win a foul off Olban, the Hungarian defender.
“It wasn’t a penalty for me, but I know there is a lot of anger from Scotland fans that they were wronged.”
Pressed on Shearer and Wright’s comments on TV, Sutton refused to backdown from his initial verdict.
He added: “Maybe the guys are just a bit tired. I think they got that one wrong.
“Stuart Armstrong, he has had fitness issues this season, why does he not try to score? He is thinking about Willy Olban, the Hungarian defender and the contact – put your foot through it!”
Speaking at full-time, Clarke slammed Uefa for appointing the Argentine ref for the Group A decider.
He hit out: “The moment in the game for me is the penalty incident.
“It’s one hundred percent a penalty and someone has to explain to me why it’s not a penalty.
“Because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong.
“Did I have a conversation with the officials? What’s the point, he’s from Argentina.
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“What’s the point? Why is it not a European referee? Trying to be clever, I dunno, I don’t understand.
“I don’t understand why he’s here and not in his own country refereeing a game.
“I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and say it’s not a penalty.
“That’s just my opinion. It’s 100 percent a penalty.
“Somebody somewhere has to explain to me why that’s not a penalty.
Scotland Player Ratings
By Gareth Law
Angus Gunn – redeemed himself for Germany horror show with top display against Switzerland, made early save from Bolla then came to clear second half and produced two late stops but no chance at goal 6
Jack Hendry – made debut against Hungary in 2018, showed good passing and anticipation and read game well. Wasn’t afraid to step into challenges and took dull one after brave tackle before break 7
Grant Hanley – stopper was steady at the back. Man in the middle of defence kept things simple and marshalled those around him in wholehearted performance but should have buried late shot at 0-0 6
Scott McKenna – in for crocked Kieran Tierney. Licence to get forwards like the Arsenal man and showed willing despite not being his natural game. Refused to get drawn into tackles. Composed display 7
Anthony Ralston – kept his place at right wing-back despite error that led to Switzerland’s goal. Started well and was positive going forwards. Winded after taking shot in the solar plexus but kept going 6
Billy Gilmour – made himself available and kept ball moving but also chased things down. Scotland needed to find him more often but others had to show and make runs for him to pick out passes. Subbed 6
Callum McGregor – changed boots early on but looked unusually weighed down by them when he had the ball. Caught in possession in first half and took till second period to find a penetrating pass. Finished with armband 5
Andy Robertson – Scotland skipper had to be alert to cover and clear after early Gunn save. Less of an attacking impetus down the left again but brilliant reaction when Hungary threatened second half. Tired and subbed 6
Scott McTominay – goal hero against Swiss was clattered by Botka then landed booking which would have counted him out of next game if Scotland had qualified. Didn’t let that affect him but no goal threat 6
John McGinn – hadn’t scored for Scotland since November. Slightly more withdrawn role and looked more like his usual self early on as showed strength and determination. Styles and Orban both booked for fouls on him. Subbed 5
Che Adams – netted just once for Scotland in a year. Worked hard but struggled to win aerial battles and posed little threat to goal. Conceded free-kicks and drilled chance over 4
SUBS – Stuart Armstrong (5) first Euros action for the free agent and should have won a penalty soon after coming on, Lawrence Shankland (5) linked well after coming on for Adams, Ryan Christie (2) on for Gilmour, Kenny McLean (3) finished at left-back, Lewis Morgan (2) late call-up to squad was given final minutes.
“It’s 100 percent and in a one-goal game, had we got that penalty, it could have been a different night.
“I’ve got other words but I’m not going to use them.
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“In a European competition it might have been better to have a European referee.
“But we had European VAR. Maybe the referee didn’t see the challenge clearly on the pitch but what’s the purpose of VAR if they’re not going to come in on something like that. It’s a penalty.”
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