Aston Villa star John McGinn lucky to avoid sanction after Scotland controversy - Keith Hackett

Aston Villa captain John McGinn was fortunate to go punishment free as Scotland lost to Morocco, according to former referee Keith Hackett.

The Scot made history for his nation last time around as his goal secured a first World Cup win since 1990 against Haiti.

Things didn't quite go his way in the second game of the group stage as the Tartan Army fell to a 1-0 loss in Boston on Friday night.

Ismael Saibari's goal after 70 seconds made all the difference, with Scotland unable to hit back.

Scotland had their own chances and arguably could have had a spot-kick or two.

McGinn went down inside the penalty area just minutes into the second half, but may have landed himself in hot water as a result.

John McGinn fortunate to avoid action in Scotland penalty shout vs Morocco

In typical fashion, the Villa captain burst forward from midfield and towards the 18-yard line.

With just four minutes gone in the second half, he appeared to take his opponents by surprise

He bounced his way past Crystal Palace's Chadi Riad, but was ultimately brought down by Neil El Aynaoui

The Roma man didn't get a touch on the ball as McGinn went down under contact from the midfielder.

That sparked passionate complaints from the Scot towards referee Ilgiz Tantashev, and ex-FIFA official Hackett believes McGinn actually deserved to be booked for going to ground too easily.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: "I do think that McGinn has gone to ground too easily and the referee perfectly position was correct in not awarding a penalty kick.

"The point that I would make once again is that in these situations where the player has gone to ground too easily then pull out the yellow card for an act of simulation."

Aston Villa star McGinn calls out referee in interview after Morocco defeat

It's safe to say that Hackett isn't impressed with the 31-year-old and believes he should have been booked for simulation.

That isn't the view held by Steve Clarke, who was visibly frustrated by the decision in the dugout.

McGinn was also massively annoyed by the call from Tantashev and even discussed his decisions at full-time.

He said: "I think we could have been helped at times by the ref and 50/50 challenges. No problem with allowing things to flow, but it has to be consistent across both teams."

The midfielder went on to discuss his own penalty claims.

"Out the corner of my eye I can see him charging in," he said. "If you get first contact to the ball, he's taking you out. He took me out on the side.

"It's a penalty kick for me, but sometimes you get them and sometimes you don't."

It's clear that the feeling in the Scotland camp is one of massive frustration, even if Hackett doesn't see things that way.