Euro 2024: Steve Clarke expresses anger over referee’s decision following Scotland’s ‘disappointing’ elimination.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke was left perplexed and disappointed after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Hungary in Euro 2024. The defeat resulted in Scotland crashing out of the tournament, but Clarke was more concerned about the decision to not award his side a penalty.

The incident in question occurred in the 80th minute when Stuart Armstrong appeared to be fouled by Hungary’s Willi Orban in the penalty box. However, after a VAR check, the referee deemed it not worthy of a penalty, much to Clarke’s confusion.

Clarke expressed his frustration, stating, “The goal is almost irrelevant. The moment for me was the penalty. It was 100% a penalty. Someone has to explain to me why it wasn’t a penalty because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong. I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and say it’s not a penalty.”

Scotland needed a win in this match to secure qualification for the last 16, but they failed to find the back of the net despite several chances. Hungary’s late winner came from a counter-attack following a Scottish corner, leaving Clarke feeling “sad” about the way the competition ended for his team.

Captain Andy Robertson echoed the sentiment, saying, “It will take a long time to get over this defeat.” Scotland’s record of never reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament continues, and Robertson apologized to the supporters for letting them down.

In other Group A matches, Germany finished top after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, thanks to Niclas Fullkrug’s last-gasp equalizer. Switzerland secured second place in the group. Hungary’s victory keeps their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage alive, although their -3 goal difference makes it an unlikely feat.