Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher admits he understands why referee Simon Hooper did not award Nottingham Forest a first-half penalty during their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
30.03.2023 - 20:29 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn became the latest player to respond to criticism of Scotland's style of play after Manchester City ace Rodri suggested it was 'rubbish'.
Scotland secured a 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scoring twice in the shock win. Having defeated Cyprus in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier, Steve Clarke's side moved to the top of Group A after overcoming Spain.
After the game, City star Rodri suggested Scotland were 'wasting time' and 'provoking' the Spaniards throughout the clash, while Osasuna defender David Garcia claimed the grass was "too long".
ALSO READ: Rodri has become Manchester City's unlikely pantomime villain
"It's the way they play," said Rodri. "You have to respect it but for me, it's a bit rubbish. Because it's always wasting time. They provoke you, they always fall. For me, this is not football. For the spirit of the sport, you have to move on. The referee has to take control of this but he says nothing."
However, McGinn, speaking to Sky Sports, suggested some of the claims were wrong, but did admit Scotland played to their strengths against Luis de la Fuente's side.
He said: "I did see the comments. I don’t really have a huge amount of reaction. I wasn’t really sure that was something that could be targeted at us, falling about. Wasting time? Absolutely. If anyone expects us to go head-to-head with Spain in a tiki-taka battle for 90 minutes and expects us to come away with three points then there is absolutely no chance.
"So I think everyone needs to get a bit of realism about it, realise that we need to find a way to beat Spain and we managed to do it. The grass is a bit long, the pitch was a little
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher admits he understands why referee Simon Hooper did not award Nottingham Forest a first-half penalty during their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United winger Antony has received praise from Jadon Sancho, David de Gea and Harry Maguire for his performance in the victory over Nottingham Forest.
Gary Neville believes Bruno Fernandes 'goes over the top' with his behavior on the football pitch as the Manchester United legend reiterated his criticism of the midfielder.
Kolo Toure believes no one player can stop Kevin De Bruyne working his Manchester City magic, with the Belgian always finding solutions.
Scott McTominay has been ruled out of Manchester United's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla through injury.
Manchester City will have the chance to heap title pressure on Arsenal once again this weekend when they travel to bottom club Southampton on Saturday evening before the Gunners take on Liverpool at Anfield a day later.
Rio Ferdinand has questioned Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's decision to leave Fred out of his starting line-up for Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Chelsea have sacked manager Graham Potter after less than seven months in charge following Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the Premier League title race could hinge on the outcome of Arsenal's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool next weekend.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has admitted he would 'hate' to see Scott McTominay leave Old Trafford as the midfielder continues to be linked with a move to Newcastle.
Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Saturday, April 1.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has backed Scott McTominay to act as the perfect replacement for Casemiro during the Brazilian's suspension period.
Erik ten Hag has hinted Wout Weghorst will continue to lead the line for Manchester United despite the return of Anthony Martial.
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has admitted that Scotland manager Steve Clarke urged him to play with a smile on his face ahead of his recent heroics on the international stage.
He told his players that this was their chance to leave a legacy. Now that it has been achieved, Steve Clarke wants it to become the norm.
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho played a role in Scott McTominay choosing to represent Scotland, according to former boss Alex McLeish.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes are both in agreement about Scott McTominay’s quality after the Manchester United star netted twice in Scotland’s historic win over Spain on Tuesday evening.
Former St Mirren star John McGinn believes Spain won’t be looking forward to their trip to a sold-out Hampden Park this evening.
Jack Grealish puts his fine Manchester City form down to confidence, telling Pep Guardiola he wants to play every game until the end of the season.
Former Manchester United striker and BBC Sport pundit Dion Dublin believes that Casemiro will still play a big role in the Reds' dressing room despite his current suspension.