Pundits split over Scott McTominay penalty decision after Scotland suffer World Cup blow

Scotland were defeated by Morocco 1-0 in a Group C World Cup match on June 20, 2026, with controversy arising in the 82nd minute when Scott McTominay was brought down by Morocco's Neil El Aynaoui inside the box but no penalty was awarded. ITV's referee specialist Christina Unkel acknowledged the initial decision appeared incorrect but said it did not meet the threshold for VAR intervention. The incident marked Scotland's third penalty appeal of the match, leaving Scottish players and fans enraged at the outcome.