Scotland manager Steve Clarke unleashed a blistering critique of video assistant referee technology following what he deemed a "nonsense" penalty decision that helped condemn his side to a 2-0 defeat against Denmark.
The contentious moment arrived early in the second half at a rain-swept Hampden Park when German referee Tobias Stieler pointed to the spot after a VAR review, ruling that Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn had fouled Denmark's Yussuf Poulsen.
"It's a joke," Clarke fumed post-match. "I don't understand how the referee on the field can see that clearly. He gave a corner, which was the correct decision. How VAR can then intervene and say it's a clear and obvious error is beyond me."
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted the resulting penalty in the 51st minute, with Christian Eriksen adding a second goal late in the game to seal victory for the Danes.
Gunn's Innocence Claimed
Clarke was particularly incensed given goalkeeper Gunn's insistence that he had made no contact with the Danish attacker. The Scotland shot-stopper's protestations fell on deaf ears as the VAR decision stood.
"Angus is adamant he didn't touch their player," Clarke revealed. "Even if there's the slightest touch, which I don't think there was, it's certainly not a clear and obvious error."
Friendly Match, Serious Consequences
The Scotland boss questioned the purpose of such decisions in friendly matches, suggesting they undermine preparation for more important competitive fixtures.
"What's the point of having these games if you're going to get decisions like that?" Clarke asked rhetorically. "It's a friendly match. Let the referee make the decision on the field and we'll get on with it."
The defeat marks a disappointing start to Scotland's preparations for Euro 2024, though Clarke will be more concerned about the performance than the result in this preparatory fixture.
