Ryan Porteus receives first red card of UEFA Euro 2024 after reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan

Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala strike as Germany leads Scotland in the first half of their UEFA Euro 2024 encounter in Munich. Kai Havertz scored the third for the hosts from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge by Ryan Porteous inside the penalty box. 

This is the start of a month-long journey that the three-time continental winners believe will culminate in triumph at the final in Berlin on July 14th.  On the contrary, this is only Scotland's second big competition since 1998. They reappeared to the main stage at UEFA Euro 2020, but finished last in their group, earning only one point in a 0-0 tie with England.

Germany has controlled the midfield duel till now, and they have looked truly world-class. Most Scottish assaults withered before they reached Germany's box, thanks to the midfield blocks and the excellent performance of the duo of veteran Toni Kroos and Bayer Leverkusen’s Robert Andrich. 

How did Ryan Porteus get sent off during the opening game against Germany?

In the 45th minute, Ryan Porteous fouled Ilkay Gundogan, causing the German midfielder to scream in pain and argue for a penalty. Though the official in charge, Clement Turpin, did not originally point to the spot, after reviewing the video-assistant-referee (VAR), he awarded Germany a penalty and marched the Scot defender out.

In the matter of Porteous, the law applies completely because his challenge was irresponsible. The official in charge did not hesitate to show the defender the red card after denying the FC Barcelona player a clear scoring opportunity. 

He became the first player to receive a red card sent off during his Euro debut after Aleksandar Dragovic for Austria against Hungary in 2016, as well as the first Scottish player to be sent off in a major event (World Cup/EUROs) because Craig Burley against Morocco in FIFA World Cup 1998. Both of his boots were up against Gundogan's right leg, which strengthened the referee's argument for giving him a straight red card rather than a yellow card.