Andy Robertson given headache by new UEFA rule in nightmare Euro 2024 opener

Scotland captain Andrew Robertson was heavily involved throughout the opening game of Euro 2024 as they were thrashed 5-1 by Germany, but not for his impact during play.

In a nightmare first half for Scotland they found themselves 3-0 down with two major VAR incidents taking place. A poor Ryan Christie tackle on Jamal Musiala was reviewed to judge whether the contact came inside the penalty area, but Scotland survived a scare as Germany was awarded a free kick.

But their luck soon ran out as defender Ryan Porteous lunged in on Ilkay Gundogan inside the area and initially got away with it until referee Clement Turpin was sent over to the screen. A penalty was awarded and Porteous was shown a straight red card, meaning Scotland was reduced to 10 men as Kai Havertz converted the resulting spot kick.

Florian Wirtz and Musiala also scored in the first half before Niclas Fullkrug scored a fourth after 68 minutes, and Emre Can added a fifth in injury time. A freak own goal by Antonio Rudiger gave Scotland something to cheer, the only effort on Germany's goal.

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Due to new UEFA rules set ahead of Euro 2024, only the captain of each team can challenge a referee's decision. With Scotland living dangerously, Robertson was a busy man as he desperately looked to talk the referee out of major decisions.

The rule was introduced to stop multiple players crowding referees during controversial decisions, something that not only breaches team misconduct codes but also puts unnecessary added pressure on the officials. Players who ignore this rule will instantly receive a yellow card.

In return, the referees will provide clearer explanations to the team captain to justify their decision. It will then be up to the captain to pass that message on to teammates. The officiating at international tournaments is always of the highest standard and serves as an example to domestic leagues.

Premier League officiating has come under scrutiny in recent seasons, but they attempted to implement this new rule for Euro 2024 at the start of last season. Although it was enforced at the beginning, referees lacked authority as the season progressed.

Former Premier League referee, Howard Webb, now serves as chief refereeing officer for Professional Game Match Officials Limited and spoke about why they need to stop players from harassing referees. "People will have to understand that some behaviors that previously would have been managed or ignored will no longer be managed or ignored, and those behaviors will stop," Webb said.

"It is important our officials recognize, understand, and differentiate between emotion and passion and something that is unacceptable. For too long officials have not necessarily been able to make that differentiation too well or they have chosen to turn a blind eye to certain things, maybe thinking it was the best way to deal with it, not make a fuss, not draw attention to what might have been perceived as an error on the field.

"But the power of example is so strong and we are seeing all the numbers are traveling in the wrong direction. We are seeing grassroots officials having a bad experience too often.

"This has to change in our sport. We are determined collectively in our game to do this. It is resting on the shoulders of the officials to do this but they understand by doing it consistently, they will improve the example that is set and the experience in the professional game.

"While initially there are some changes in behavior that will have to be driven through, they will end up with a game that is more enjoyable from their point of view as well."