Why Robby McCrorie was booked for Scotland as Rangers keeper handed UEFA explanation for bizarre Ukraine yellow

Robby McCrorie was booked for "delaying the restart of play" as he earned his first Scotland yellow BEFORE his international debut.

The Rangers keeper was called up as a late replacement for his club teammate Jon McLaughlin, who pulled out with injury. He sat on the bench alongside Liam Kelly as one of the supporting cast for Craig Gordon for the clashes with Ukraine and Ireland that saw Steve Clarke's team rack up seven points and win promotion to Nations League A.

A 0-0 draw with the Ukrainians in Warsaw was enough to clinch top spot in Group B1 which bought Scotland a spot in Pot 2 for next month's Euro 2024 qualifying draw as well as the fall-back of a playoff should we need it. But there was some confusion late on as, with Clarke's side hanging on for the point they needed, Premier Sports' TV coverage revealed McCrorie had been booked - despite not being on the pitch.

It had remained a mystery until now just how the 24-year-old had earned a caution from the referee despite being seated on the bench. But it seems the Ibrox shotstopper was deemed to have engaged in some crafty gamesmanship as UEFA have explained it was for "delaying the restart of play" as Ukraine chased the equaliser.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.

READ NEXT