McLeish points finger at official

Scotland boss Alex McLeish has called for the official who helped destroy his Euro 2008 dream to be removed from the top level of the game by UEFA.

Spanish referee Manuel Gonzalez, on the signal of his assistant, awarded Italy an injury-time free-kick near Scotland's touchline after Alan Hutton had been barged over by Giorgio Chiellini. Andrea Pirlo swung the ball over and Christian Panucci headed home to give Italy a 2-1 victory, sealing qualification for both the world champions and France.

McLeish blamed assistant referee Juan Carlos Jiminez for the decision in his post-match comments. He told Sky Sports: "That official, they will have to look at and say 'should they be officiating in a game such as that?'"

He added: "I think he has made a horrendous mistake, I don't know why he did it. The guy, for me, doesn't deserve to be officiating at a high level."

The Spanish official flagged in Italy's favour after the incident unfolded yards from his position next to the corner flag.

And the Scotland boss called for UEFA to question the official and consider his future role at the top level.

"The official gave the decision, unbelievably, a terrible one, no doubt about it," McLeish added.

"And UEFA people must ask him why he gave that and say that's a terrible decision.

"If it was a player making a terrible decision in a game or a big mistake he probably might not play in the next game."