Scotland rue ‘50/50’ penalty calls in defeat: ‘Morocco got away with one there’

Scott McTominay and John McGinn were both involved in incidents where Scotland appealed for a penalty. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

Steve Clarke believes Scotland were unfortunate not to be awarded at least one penalty during their 1-0 defeat by Morocco. In separate incidents, John McGinn and Scott McTominay appealed vociferously for spot-kicks under challenges from Morocco players. McGinn later insisted the defender Neil El Aynaoui “took me out”.

While Clarke steered well clear of castigating the match officials, he clearly felt the decisions were borderline and suggested Morocco’s Issa Diop could have been sent off early in the game. The deciding goal arrived after just 70 seconds, with Scotland spirited in the second half.