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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Unseen Steve Clarke & Austin MacPhee Scotland touchline confrontation

Scotland manager Steve Clarke last night clashed with set-piece coach Austin MacPhee during the 5-1 defeat to Germany.

The national team fell to a heavy defeat in the Euro 2024 opener against the host nation with Ryan Porteous sent off in a disappointing night in Munich.

And in an unseen moment, Clarke exchanged words with MacPhee over a wayward set piece routine that almost resulted in Leroy Sane scoring for Germany.

The Scotland boss was clearly unhappy with MacPhee over a free kick just after an hour where the ball was played to Andy Robertson - who couldn't control the pass - instead of electing to cross into the box.

Clarke and MacPhee were said to be involved in an argument by STV commentator Sam Matterface who described the incident which was initially missed by cameras.

"It wasn't shown on your screen but that all came from a disappointing Scotland free kick and there was a bit of an argument going on in the Scotland technical area between Steve Clarke and Austin MacPhee, who's the set piece coach," explained the commentator. "Clarke wanted them to utilise that set piece better."

Ally McCoist, on co-commentary, added: "You'd have thought so. It's an opportunity to put the ball in the opposition box and give yourself a chance.

"If you are going to get any foothold in the game, or give yourself any kind of chance you need to get the ball in the box.

"And the way the game is down to ten men, your best opportunity to do that is from a set play."

Clarke shrugged off the incident after the match, however, as he bristled over questioning on the pitchside confrontation.

Asked about the MacPhee flashpoint, Clarke said: “Is that a serious question? We are fine. It’s emotional on the touchline.”

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