An unseen moment saw Scott McTominay lose his temper at a teammate during Scotland's 1-0 defeat to Morocco, with Kenny McLean stepping in as peacemaker. The Napoli star appeared to exchange words with Jack Hendry during the second half of the World Cup match in Boston.
Hydration Break Tensions
The mandatory hydration breaks, imposed by FIFA after 23 and 68 minutes of every World Cup match, have been criticized as a way to insert more advertisements into American broadcasts. Most managers use these pauses for tactical adjustments, but Scotland's McTominay needed more than just fluids.
During the second break, McTominay was visibly upset as he approached the touchline. ITV cameras captured him dropping an F-bomb before cutting away. He continued to vent during the debrief, gesticulating in a heated exchange with defender Jack Hendry, who also had plenty to say. McLean then emerged from the huddle, placing a hand on McTominay's chest and subtly steering him away from teammates, which seemed to calm him down.
Penalty Controversy
McTominay's mood worsened in the 82nd minute when he was denied a penalty. Driving into the Morocco box, he appeared to be clipped by Neil El Aynaoui. VAR ruled that the defender touched the ball, but replays showed no contact. ITV referee expert Christina Unkel disagreed, saying, "The first thing you're looking for as VAR is any touch on that ball and the answer is no. There is a trip up from behind, contact on the left lower leg. I think there is a missed incident."
Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist also believed it was a penalty: "I did say when I watched it second time there is a challenge on the left leg. He did get that one wrong."
