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Scotland's Group match with Morocco was played on a knife edge the entire match, but they were left furious when they were not awarded a penalty

ITV referee analyst Christina Unkel believes Scotland should have been awarded a penalty in their World Cup clash against Morocco. Steve Clarke's side fell to a 1-0 defeat to the Africa Cup of Nations winners in Boston.

They struggled to create any real opportunities against the North Africans who were good value for their win. However, the Scots were denied a clear penalty in the eyes of Unkel.

McTominay charged into the 18-yard-box when he was tackled from behind by Neil El Aynaoui. It was deemed by VAR the Moroccon midfielder got a touch on the ball, but replays suggest otherwise.

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Unkel was convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when McTominay was bundled over. She said: "The first thing you’re looking for as VAR is any touch on that ball and the answer is no.

"We saw that second replay there and exactly what I was looking for, there was no contact on that ball. There is a trip up from behind, contact on the left lower leg.

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"For this, I do think there is a missed incident from the var to recommend a penalty as well as the referee to not make a decision on penalty. I know this referee is calling a more physical game but it is a very clear penalty in my opinion."

Ally McCoist, who was commentating for ITV, also believed his countrymen should have earned a penalty. He said: "I did say when I watched it second time there is a challenge on the left leg. But I did say I'm enjoying the referee allowing the game to go. However, Christina is right, he did get that one wrong."

McTominay was furious when the Uzbekistani official Ilgiz Tantashev did not point to the spot. That was not the only time they believed they deserved a penalty.

Early in the second half, John McGinn appeared to be brought down by the same player when he broke into the penalty area. While there also appeared to be little contact with the ball, it was also deemed not enough to be a penalty.

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