Scotland’s coach, Steve Clarke, has acknowledged that there’s little benefit in prolonging the discussion around the controversial VAR decision that disallowed a goal during Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier, which resulted in a 2-0 defeat to Spain.
Scotland, needing just one point in Seville to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 finals in Germany, believed they had scored the opener in the second half when Scott McTominay netted an impressive free kick. However, the goal was subsequently ruled out after a VAR review, with defender Jack Hendry found to be interfering with play while in an offside position.
Spain capitalized on this turn of events, securing a win with goals from Alvaro Morata and Oihan Sancet.
Addressing the issue, Clarke told reporters, “They have made the call, there is no point in me going on about it. I think there was a little bit of confusion at the time, whether it was offside or for a foul on the keeper.”
While acknowledging that Hendry was offside, Clarke also noted, “There is no way in the world the keeper was saving that, no matter where Jack Hendry was. You just move on; it’s a VAR decision that goes against you. When we conceded, it made it more difficult, and the second goal puts gloss on it for Spain, which I don’t think they deserve.”
Despite the loss, Scotland remains at the top of Group A with 15 points from their six games, marking their first defeat in the campaign. Spain currently has 12 points from five matches, and Norway has 10 points from six.
Scotland’s qualification for the European Championship next year hinges on Norway’s performance against Spain on Sunday. Clarke expressed that some members of the team may choose to watch the match, but he confirmed that he would watch it himself to analyze Norway, as they will be facing them next month. He explained, “That is my job, so I will watch it.”
