Scott McTominay was Scotland’s match-winner in the first leg of their Nations League play-off clash with Greece, but his goal was ultimately shrouded in controversy
Scott McTominay showed nerves of steel during Scotland’s Nations League clash with Greece as he slotted in a penalty despite Greek fans trying to distract him with laser pens. The Napoli midfielder bagged the only goal of the game after winning a first-half penalty and converting it, sealing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their play-off tie.
However, he had to deal with laser pointers being shone at him as he stepped up to take the kick. Fortunately, the former Manchester United star didn’t seem fazed, but the crowd antics sparked an immediate outcry on social media.
One user expressed in disgust: “Disgraceful… UEFA need to intervene.” Another said: “Pathetic Greek fans pointing green lasers at McTominay. They got exactly what deserved from the game – nothing”. A third added: “Awful behaviour from the Greek fans. UEFA must take action”.
One joked: “Get it right up ye, laser pointing gits,” whereas another praised McTominay’s professional response: “Fair play to McTominay. Didn’t seem bothered at all by the lasers in his face and didn’t complain. But UEFA can’t let this keep happening. It’s outrageous.”
The penalty itself was controversially awarded, as replays suggested that McTominay stepped on the ball just before making contact with Greece defender Lazaros Rota. However, VAR confirmed the referee’s on-field call, allowing Scotland’s midfield maestro to take full advantage.
Steve Clarke’s Scotland side managed to hold on for a nailbiting 1-0 win, despite the home team piling on the pressure in the second half. Christos Tzolis nearly levelled the score for Greece when his shot hit the post, but Scotland’s defence stood strong to secure a crucial first-leg advantage in their bid to reach Nations League A.
Clarke praised his team’s resilience, saying: “We knew they would come at us second half. We didn’t quite manage to regain our rhythm so we had to show a different side to our game. Two of the defenders don’t play regularly at their clubs – Anthony Ralston and Grant Hanley. They go in there and do a great job.
“You defend as a team. We were under a lot of pressure. But it wasn’t like Craig [Gordon] was making save after save after save.” He added: “First half we were really good, we could’ve been two in front,” he added. “If I’m being greedy I could say three. This game is not dead yet. No way.”
Scotland will welcome Greece to Hampden for the return leg on Sunday, where a draw will be enough to join England and Wales in the top tier of the Nations League.
Laser pens are strictly forbidden at football matches under FIFA and UEFA rules. Teams can face penalties if their fans use them to distract opposition players, such as when England were slapped with a £25,630 fine after a laser pointer was aimed at Kasper Schmeichel while Harry Kane was setting up for a penalty during the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 semi-final triumph over Denmark.
Mo Salah was notoriously among several players targeted by laser pens during the 2022 World Cup qualifier penalty shootout between Egypt and Senegal. The Liverpool ace missed his country’s first shot after numerous lasers were pointed at him as he prepared his kick.
FIFA subsequently fined Senegal, who emerged victorious from the shootout, a hefty £143,000 for their supporters’ unruly behaviour during the match.
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