Seems irritated when one withdraws from the match (9)

I believe the answer is:

scratches

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'seems' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with perception as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scratches that I've seen before include "Abraded areas of the skin" , "Abrasions" , "opponents having no handicaps" , "Withdraws" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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