LACK OF FANS PLAYED PART IN PENALTY SNUB SAYS CHRISTIE

Ryan Christie believes Scotland suffered from a lack of crowd influence on referee Carlos del Cerro Grande when they were denied what appeared to be a cast-iron penalty during the 2-2 draw with Austria. Christie, pictured, was hauled to the ground inside the box by defender Stefan Ilsanker in the second half of the World Cup qualifier at Hampden and despite the strong claims for a spot-kick, the Spanish official was unmoved. Television pictures backed up Scotland’s grievance at not being awarded a foul and Christie reckoned having 45,000 Scotland supporters screeching from the stands might have made a difference, although he admitted he kept his own protests to a minimum due to the fact he had been booked for dissent earlier in the game.

“I just went to the floor and I was just waiting for the referee to blow his whistle,” recalled Christie. “I couldn’t believe it and after my booking in the first half I didn’t really feel I could open my mouth again.

“If there were crowds he might have given it, but it was a definite penalty. He hasn’t gone to play the ball either and it was probably a red card as well. It is frustrating when you play at home without the crowds and you don’t really get those wee things.”

Christie plans to channel the frustration of Thursday night into tomorrow’s next World Cup qualifier when Steve Clarke’s men head to Tel Aviv to take on Israel.

Scotland lost on their last visit to Israel, going down 1-0 in Netanya and ending their aspirations of making Qatar 2022 via the Nations League play-offs. “We feel going over there that we owe them one,” added Christie.