Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Scotland, Scott Mctominay, UEFA, Football
Luke Davies
The Greek FA are potentially facing a UEFA punishment after an incident which occurred during their Nations League first-leg play-off fixture against Scotland on Thursday evening.
Greece fell to a 1-0 defeat against Scotland at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, with former Manchester United and current Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay scoring a 33rd-minute penalty to hand the away side all three points.
And fans were furious after McTominay, 28, was involved in a controversial incident.
While the midfielder was preparing to take the spot kick, which he won, what appeared to be a laser light was shone towards him from the stands.
Advert
In a post-match interview, the Napoli man did not mention the incident and instead praised his side’s performance.
"We defended our box well in the second half - the resilience and dedication to defend our goal, that's what you need," McTominay told BBC Scotland.
"Everyone was so committed to the cause," he added. "In the first half, we created some really good situations in midfield and it was quite a balanced game for the most part.
"That was a really difficult game. We knew they were a really good team, so it's going to be tough [at Hampden]. It's only half-time, but we go back to Hampden with good spirit and look to dominate the game a bit more."
However, UEFA may be set to punish the Greek Football Association (FA) – although the organisation have not commented on the matter at the time of writing.
The English FA were handed a fine of £25,630 after a laser was pointed at Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final victory at Wembley. UEFA also took into account disturbances during the national anthems and the use of pyrotechnics inside the stadium.
Another example of the use of laser pointers being punished occurred in August 2018 during a Champions League tie between PAOK and Spartak Moscow. European football’s governing body issued the Greek club a €22,000 fine for the laser pointer and because supporters blocked stairwells.
Scotland return to action on Sunday when they will face Greece in the second-leg of their play-off clash at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
SPORTbible has contacted UEFA for comment.