One of the most torrid 24 hours in the life of Scotland's captain, Colin Hendry, ended last night with news that police have decided against taking action for a seeming assault on an opponent during the final seconds of the World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Scotland`s 4-0 win at Hampden Park on Wednesday, with Hendry twice on the scoresheet, was overshadowed by the captain lashing out with his elbow at the San Marino defender Nicola Albani and the player appearing to lose consciousness before being taken to hospital. The referee did not see the incident but it was caught by television cameras.

Yesterday, as Scotland's coach Craig Brown publicly supported his player and Hendry expressed his concern for his victim's welfare, San Marino officials tried to smooth troubled waters, saying they would not lodge a complaint.

But the biggest weight off Hendry's shoulders was the decision by Strathclyde police.

Hendry was being manhandled seconds from the final whistle in a congested San Marino penalty area as he was preparing to win the ball in the air. He lashed out with an arm, a part of which - not necessarily the elbow - made contact with Albani's throat. How great the contact, and how premeditated the act, is open to question.

Yesterday Hendry issued his own statement: "There was no intent to injure the player who held on to me. I am deeply sorry if he suffered any injury, and there was no malice on my part."

The incident will only be taken further if brought up by the FIFA observer, or if San Mario have a change of heart and do lodge an official complaint with FIFA.