Ian Wright slammed Ryan Porteous for his ‘appalling’ challenge after the Scotland defender was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan in the opening game of Euro 2024.

Wright claimed that Gundogan could have been ‘seriously injured’ by the challenge.

Speaking on ITV, Wright said: ‘This is a really bad, appalling challenge. the best thing is that Gundogan is not seriously injured. That could have been really bad. It’s the last thing you need from Scotland’s point of view.

The incident occurred towards the end of the first half during the opening game of the tournament, with hosts Germany having already established a two-goal lead.

Matters went from bad to worse for Germany, with Kai Havertz showing impressive composure to convert the spot-kick.

Referee Clement Turpin consulted VAR, with the decision being explained to fans inside the stadium.

It was a disastrous start to the tournament for Scotland against a hugely impressive Germany side.

Watford defender Porteous, who was making just his 12th appearance for Scotland, was featuring at a major tournament for the first time.

Germany opened the scoring in the tenth minute courtesy of Florian Wirtz and then proceeded to make it 2-0 through Jamal Musiala nine minutes later.

Scotland’s remaining two group stage fixtures will see them take on Switzerland and Hungary.