Euro 2024 Qualifying: VAR Confusion Reigns As Scotland Lose In Seville

Seconds earlier, Scott McTominay’s sensational whipped free-kick looked to have the Scots 1-0 up with half an hour to play in Spain. Half an hour from the European Championships. Half an hour from history.

Yet, referee Serdar Gozubuyuk and his VAR team had other ideas. As soon as the Dutch official trotted to the pitchside monitor, Scotland’s luck, which had been wielded with some sorcery all evening, eventually deserted them.

Confusion reigned in the immediate melee, and even in the aftermath there appeared to be little clarity as to why the goal, which was then followed by two at the other end to delay the visitors’ qualification, was ruled out.

“That changes the whole night,” manager Steve Clarke told BBC Scotland.

Clarke’s side, who just needed a point to reach Germany next year, had more than a bit of luck during a dogged defensive display in a first half during which captain Andy Robertson departed through injury.

But the complexion of this game changed when McTominay lashed into the top corner only for it to not count. Was Jack Hendry offside? Did he interfere with play? Did he foul the Spain goalkeeper?

“McTominay’s fine free-kick is so close to being a super goal,” said Clarke.

“Initially, Jack is a centimetre offside. Then when he steps towards the keeper they’ve asked the referee to look at it. They’ve interpreted Jack as interfering with the keeper. I’m not sure the goalie is saving that shot anyway.”

BBC