Scots denied historic win in Serbia 58 years ago

SCOTLAND were cheated out of becoming the first British side to beat Yugoslavia the last time they played in Serbia 58 years ago.

Gordon Strachan’s side play Serbia tonight in Novi Sad – only the second time Scotland have played in current Serbia in their long international history, although they have faced the former Yugoslavia in six different countries, including at two World Cup Finals. Scotland’s only previous visit to Serbia came on 15 May, 1955 when they drew 2-2 with a Yugoslav side who were undefeated against all British teams. Only some outrageous refereeing decisions by Italian official Vincenzo Orlandini stopped the Scots from making history at Partizan Belgrade’s stadium in front of 25,000 fans.

Scotland were also severely handicapped by the loss of Tommy Gemmell after 20 minutes, with an ankle knock rendering him as a passenger in the days before substitutes and effectively played with ten men. Gordon Smith, who netted, complained “The Yugoslavs spent the whole match pushing, shoving, jersey-pulling and elbowing. It was really disappointing because we had been told they would be gentlemen on the pitch.”

Yugoslavia netted their second goal through Bernard Vukas, who reportedly shoved Scottish captain George Young to the ground blatantly before scoring. Scotland, with Lawrie Reilly also scoring for them, were denied the most blatant of stonewall penalties at the end when Yugoslav defender Zlatko Cajkovski actually caught a Bobby Collins shot inside the penalty box, but the ref refused to give Scotland the penalty.