Football fans have been left puzzled after the referee of Tuesday's Euro 2024 Qualifying match between Scotland and Spain was replaced at half-time. The unexpected substitution saw Swiss referee Sandro Scharer swap places with his fourth official, Lukas Fahndrich, due to a reported muscular injury.

The first half of the clash at Hampdem Park was marked by a couple of controversial moments shortly after Scott McTominay's had score the opening goal for Scotland in the seventh minute. The Scots' captain, Andy Robertson, was also shown a yellow card after Pedro Porro collided with the Liverpool full-back's shoulder. Subsequently Spain's Joselu was denied a penalty after falling to the ground under pressure from Grant Hanley, with the VAR check ruling out any foul play.

The Espanyol striker's appeal for a penalty was waved away by Sandro Scharer, and he escaped a booking for simulation. The decision angered the Tartan Army, who hooted at the Swiss referee as he made his way off the pitch at half-time. Scharer's sudden substitution, however, left fans perplexed, and they took to social media to express their opinions about the incident.

Many were skeptical about the injury claim, while others felt that Scharer's performance had warranted the substitution. Despite the change, Fahndrich took charge of the second half, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The FIFA referee's injury has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if he will be available for future fixtures. The substitution has since generated a frenzy amongst football fans on social media.

Meanwhile, Spain were unable to manage a comeback having gone behind in the early minute. Scott McTominay, scorer of Scotland's first goal, ended the night with a brace by giving his side the much needed cushion in the 51st minute.

Here is how fans reacted to the referee situation: 

Three changes for Spain at half time, with Porro, Oyarzabal and the referee coming off.

— Lew (@LMcScottish) March 28, 2023

Change of referee in the Scotland game eh? First half ref obviously not showing enough favouritism to Spain. The fix is now on… #SCOESP

— Stuart Patterson (@lairdpatterson) March 28, 2023

Change of referee at half time in Scotland v Spain. Not sure I've ever seen that before!

— Football Tips (@JamesMurphyTips) March 28, 2023

Referee was changed at HT for Spain Scotland... Not sure I've heard of a ref sub before

— APOPO (@the_Timii) March 28, 2023

Are Spain allowed to sub the referee?

— Craig Paterson (@CraigyP83) March 28, 2023

Referee sub in the Scotland Spain game?

— PJ (@peterjink1) March 28, 2023