Scotland suffered a devastating defeat in the Euro 2024 tournament, crashing out after a 1-0 loss to Hungary. The defeat left England legend Alan Shearer furious, as he believed a “terrible decision” cost Scotland the game. The incident in question occurred when Stuart Armstrong was brought down in the penalty area. Shearer and David Moyes, the former West Ham boss, both agreed that it was a clear penalty.
Scotland needed a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, but they struggled to create chances, managing only one shot on target. The missed penalty opportunity proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.
Shearer expressed his frustration with the referee’s decision, stating, “I thought the referee gave a terrible decision when Scotland should have had a penalty. For me, it was a penalty all day.” Moyes also agreed, emphasizing that it was a reckless challenge from the defender and that VAR should have intervened to check the incident.
The controversy surrounding the penalty decision highlights the importance of VAR in modern football. Many fans and experts believe that VAR should be used to review such incidents and ensure fair play. This incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and consistency of VAR in major tournaments.
The defeat is undoubtedly a blow for Scotland, who had high hopes for a successful campaign in the European Championships. It serves as a reminder of how small margins and controversial decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.
Overall, Scotland’s exit from the tournament has sparked discussions about refereeing decisions and the role of VAR in football. It is clear that such incidents can have a profound effect on the outcome of games, and there is a need for more consistency and accuracy in officiating.