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Scotland boss demands red card for Diop, slams referee.

6/21/2026

Summary

McCann demands red

Scotland manager Neil McCann said the referee should have shown a red card to defender Issa Diop for a last-man foul on striker Che Adams.
Midfielders Stephen McGinn and John McGinn said Diop’s challenge warranted a clear red card.
Clarke criticized the referee for dismissing penalty claims by John McGinn and Scott McTominay, calling the John McGinn penalty a 50-50 decision that might not be overturned by VAR.

Summary

Hanley Error

Defender Grant Hanley's error let forward Ismael Saibari score past goalkeeper Angus Gunn in 70 seconds, giving Morocco a 1-0 lead.
Scotland held possession, launched counters that strained Morocco's defence, and saw Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay stay, miss chances and shoot wide in stoppage time alongside forward Lee Dykes.
The loss gives Morocco its World Cup win and forces Scotland to seek a result against Brazil in the 48-team format.

Summary

Clarke Substitutes

Steve Clarke introduced Ben Gannon-Doak in the second half, adding pace that forced Morocco, after benching him to let Kieran Tierney stay left of a midfield to contain Achraf Hakimi.
He called the first half disjointed, noting that after the hydration break side built momentum and moved the ball better.
Clarke said he wished they could restart to track runners at peaks, appearing tense when asked about Gannon-Doak’s impact.

Summary

Robertson Forms Pair

Scotland’s coach selected a belt-and-braces partnership pairing left-back Kieran Tierney with captain Andy Robertson.
The duo was dubbed a classic double bagger to stress its dual defensive and attacking duties.
The manager framed the call as a major decision to balance neutralising opponents with creating explosive opportunities.
Robertson’s captaincy was highlighted as key for organising the back line and coordinating the pair’s offensive contributions.

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McCann demands red

Scotland manager Neil McCann said the referee should have shown a red card to defender Issa Diop for a last-man foul on striker Che Adams.
Midfielders Stephen McGinn and John McGinn said Diop’s challenge warranted a clear red card.
Clarke criticized the referee for dismissing penalty claims by John McGinn and Scott McTominay, calling the John McGinn penalty a 50-50 decision that might not be overturned by VAR.

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