Scotland’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup began with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, but the result was overshadowed by controversy surrounding several key refereeing decisions. Fans across social media questioned why Haiti were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty and why a late high challenge from Scotland escaped a VAR review.
The win, secured through a deflected strike from John McGinn, gave Scotland their first victory at the World Cup since 1990 and marked a positive start to their Group C campaign.
The controversy erupted in the 79th minute when Haiti’s Jean-Ricner Bellegarde unleashed a shot from outside the box that appeared to strike the hand of Scotland defender Grant Hanley inside the penalty area. Despite loud appeals from Haitian players, neither the referee nor VAR intervened.
“It’s the biggest robbery I’ve seen in my entire life. Look at where that hand is, and they didn’t even call it. Scotland has to steal from Haiti to win,” one fan wrote on X.
Hanley was involved in another handball incident in the box earlier in the game. While others were equally frustrated by the lack of intervention from the video assistant referee, time and time again, with many arguing that Haiti had been denied a legitimate opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot.
Questions were also raised deep into stoppage time when Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean received only a yellow card for a high challenge on Josue Casimir. Replays appeared to show McLean’s boot making contact above knee height, but VAR again opted against recommending a review, further fuelling criticism of the officiating.
HAITI IMPRESS DESPITE DEFEAT
While Scotland walked away with all three points, Haiti’s performance earned widespread praise. Making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, the Caribbean side matched their European opponents for large periods and refused to be intimidated by the occasion.
After falling behind in the 29th minute, Haiti continued to press forward and created several promising opportunities. Wilson Isidor came agonisingly close to converting a dangerous cross from Providence in the closing stages, while Frantzdy Pierrot narrowly missed the target with a late header as Haiti searched for a historic equaliser.
Despite the sustained pressure, Scotland held firm to secure a significant victory in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Scotland will next face Morocco on June 20 after the North Africans drew 1-1 with Brazil, while Haiti take on the five-time world champions in their second Group C fixture.
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