Scotland

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McLeish blasts officials

18 Nov 2007 - 12:51:50

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Scotland manager Alex McLeish slammed Spanish referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez after his side's hopes of qualifying for next summer's Euro 2008 finals were ended by a 2-1 defeat against Italy at Hampden Park.

Scotland had bounced back to equalise following Italy's early goal, only for Christian Panucci to grab a stoppage-time winner for the visitors from a free-kick that McLeish felt ought to have gone Scotland's way.

"The set-piece that led to their second goal was an unbelievable decision," said the former Rangers manager.

"Alan Hutton was in control of the ball and their guy battered him. How can that be a free-kick to Italy?

"We didn't deserve to lose that game. We battered them in the second half and they were dead men walking at the end. But they got most 50-50s and we expected that.

"I'm proud of these players. That first goal was so unlike us. It took the power away from us for a spell. We were making chances, we were imaginative, but unfortunately it didn't fall for us.

"It was a terrific effort and you could see the fans' appreciation after the game.

"The Italians know they were a lucky team to leave Hampden Park with a victory. We've got to take heart from this and confidence."