Gary Lineker rages about Scotland v Hungary penalty call after France incident

GARY LINEKER reckons the penalty awarded to Poland in their 1-1 draw with France will leave SCOTLAND fans with a bad taste.

And he reckons the spot kick decision means the Tartan Army will have many questions about just why no penalty was coming the way of the Scots in the defeat to Hungary.

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Scotland‘s Euro 2024 dreams were wrecked by Sunday night’s 1-0 loss to Hungary.

Kevin Csoboth’s winner with the last kick of the game consigned Steve Clarke‘s side to bottom spot in Group A and an early exit from Germany.

But things could’ve been very different had a penalty been awarded to Scotland in the 80th minute.

Stuart Armstrong went down under pressure from Willi Orban and there were huge shouts for a penalty.

Referee Facundo Tello and VAR Alejandro Hernandez were unmoved and no spot kick was forthcoming.

Replays showed there was definite contact on the back of Armstrong’s leg.

Fast forward to tonight’s Group D showdown between France and Poland, where TWO penalties were given.

The second one of those went Poland’s way and was given after Dayot Upamecano had been ruled to have fouled Karol Swiderski.

On-field referee Marco Guida didn’t initially award the penalty but changed his mind after being sent to to the pitchside monitor for a VAR review.

The officials ruled Upamecano had clipped Swiderski’s foot.

Robert Lewandowski tucked it away – at the second time of asking – to secure a 1-1 draw.

Gary Lineker was hosting live coverage of the game and reckons the officials got the decision right.

However, he struggled to understand why that was deemed enough for a penalty while Scotland’s claim against Hungary was not.

The Match of the Day presenter fumed: “We think that was a penalty. We’ve decided that.

“But I can imagine every Scottish person watching that game will be going ‘hang on a minute.’

“If you’re giving that for just a little flick how on earth are you not giving this?”

Alan Shearer, who was very vocal in his claims that Scotland SHOULD have had a penalty, replied: I totally agree, neither referee has given the decision. The one in the game today has been sent to VAR because he thinks he’s made a clear and obvious error. If that isn’t.”

Lineker fired back: “That’s as a clear and obvious as you get so you can understand why the Scots have a grip about that.”

Shearer said: “I’m sure they will and they’re right in my opinion.”

Agreeing, Micah Richards added: “I don’t this clear and obvious thing. it’s either a penalty or it’s not.

“That is a clear penalty and it should’ve been given.”

Lineker had previously ruffled some Scotland fans’ feathers earlier in the tournament.

After comments made about Steve Clarke were blasted by sections of the Scottish support, he was then accused of “laughing” at Scotland in a further broadcast.

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