Raging Rodri launched a bitter blast at Scotland after their stunning 2-0 win over Spain at Hampden, taking the hump at the hosts' perceived diving and time wasting, describing the approach as “rubbish".
Scott McTominay’s double secured a famous victory over Spain - our first since 1984 - to blow the top of Group A wide open and put Steve Clarke’s men at the summit with a real chance of challenging for top spot, especially after Norway were held to a 1-1 draw in Georgia. It was a night for the ages at Hampden as the fired up but ice cool Scots made it uncomfortable for Spain and remained dangerous on the break while repelling all their attempts at passing through.
Despite some histrionics from his teammates, Rodri remarkably claimed afterwards that it was Scotland who were at it and slammed both referees - there was a different official in charge of each half due to injury - for not clamping down.
“It’s the way they play," he told Viaplay Sports. “We have to respect that. For me it’s a bit rubbish because it is always wasting time.
“They provoke you and they always fall. For me, this is not football. For the speed of the sport, you have to move on but the referee has to take part of this. But he says nothing.
“It's frustrating because we want to win but it’s difficult, because you waste time and waste time. But it is what it is. They have their weapons and we need to use our weapons. We will know that for the next time.”
Given Pedro Porro seemed to try his best to get Andy Robertson a red card before Joselu indulged in some amateur dramatics in the box trying to win a penalty, it was put to the Manchester City star that perhaps Spain were the ones engaging in gamesmanship.
But with a straight face, Rodri denied that and doubled down. He continued: “No, we didn't do that. We always fight, but this is not about fighting, this is about falling four or five times on the floor. It depends on the referee.
“We need to always think about their physicality, but we have to use our weapons with the ball, to move it. Today we did many good things but at the end what is important is the goals and we didn’t score.”
His comments were met with a stinging response from Ally McCoist, who put the Spaniard firmly in his place. He said: “Rodri’s clearly classier on the pitch than he is off it. We deserved the victory when you think about all the chances before half-time. We won 2-0 and had the better chances so make no mistake about it, this is a thoroughly deserved victory for Scotland tonight.”
Michael Stewart wasn't shy in firing back either, accusing Rodri of sour grapes. He added: “Hearing what Rodri’s got to say, he’s way off the mark. Joselu threw himself to the deck and was lucky to get away without being booked.
“Scotland were playing on the edge, of course they were. They were making it difficult for Spain But at no point did you say or think they went overboard. I don;t think the referee had any big decision that he got wrong.
“Scotland played brilliantly and exactly how you;d expect. That’s just sour grapes from Rodri.”
