McFadden: We were robbed

James McFadden claimed Scotland had been “absolutely robbed” by the incredible decision to award Italy the free-kick from which they scored the late winner to end Hampden hopes of the home side qualifying for Euro 2008.

Scotland’s 2-1 defeat to the Italians eliminated Alex McLeish’s side.

At 1-1, Scotland were still in with a chance, but Christian Panucci’s header from Andrea Pirlo’s set-piece shattered Scottish dreams.

Alan Hutton was clearly barged over by Giorgio Chiellini but the Italians were awarded the free-kick and made the most of their good fortune.

McFadden said: “After all the hard work we’ve been absolutely robbed by the referee.

“I think he was shocking. Coming from the Ukraine game, people didn’t want us to qualify and they’ve got what they wanted.”

Scotland fell behind in the second minute but equalised midway through the second half through captain Barry Ferguson.

McFadden almost grabbed a late goal when he slid in but knocked Kenny Miller’s cross just wide.

“They crumbled and it was up to us to kick on and I thought we did,” McFadden told BBC Radio Scotland.

“I had a great chance and it could have been different if I put that away.”

He added: “I’m bitterly disappointed. We think we deserve to be at a major championships.”