Haiti captain Johnny Placide insists his side were denied two clear penalties in their 1-0 World Cup defeat to Scotland.
John McGinn’s first half goal gave Steve Clarke’s side a narrow victory in Sunday’s Group C opener in Boston. But the Caribbean minnows were aggrieved that Scotland defender Grant Hanley was not penalised for two second-half incidents in the penalty box.
The Hibs centre half wafted his hand at a cross in the 73rd minute then used an arm to block Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s shot five minutes later, with VAR ignoring both incidents as Scotland defended their lead.
Posting on X, Wolves midfielder Bellegarde asked the question himself after the match: ‘I would like to know the opinion of the VAR.’
Bellegarde’s shot hits off Grant Hanley’s outstretched arm in Boston
Haiti goalkeeper Placide queried why VAR did not intervene for either incident, and stated that he and his team-mates deserve clarity from the refereeing team.
‘This is not about making excuses,’ said Placide. ‘Scotland played their game and got the result, and we respect them for that. But at the same time, we cannot ignore what happened on the pitch.
‘There were two moments that, from where we stood, looked like clear penalties. We waited for VAR to intervene, we waited for explanations, but nothing came. As players, we dedicate our lives to this competition, so naturally we want clarity.
‘All we are asking for is transparency. If those incidents were not penalties, then tell us why. Show us the reasoning. Let the fans understand the decision-making process. Football is the biggest sport in the world and accountability should be part of it.’
Placide felt Haiti deserved more from the game and believes Scotland benefited from a lack of fairness.
He added: ‘The dressing room was silent after the final whistle. Many players felt heartbroken because we believed we had done enough to get something from the match. Moments like these can change games, especially at a World Cup where every point matters.
‘Haiti may not be one of the traditional giants of world football, but our players, our supporters and our nation deserve the same respect as everyone else. We are proud to represent our country and we simply want fairness.’
