SFA’s KMI panel admit VAR errors involving Hearts, Aberdeen, Dundee United & St Mirren
The outcomes cover Premiership games played between November 30 and 4 December with three errors from Dundee United 2-0 St Mirren and Hearts 1-1 Aberdeen.
The KMI panel admitted to two VAR errors in this game, the first involving Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Walton and his tackle on St Mirren’s Toyosi Olusanya and then Marcus Fraser’s red card.
Walton came flying out of his box and challenged Olusanya at speed, but on-field referee Matthew MacDermid only deemed it a yellow card offence and VAR somehow did not get involved.
The KMI panel have now ruled that MacDermid’s yellow was incorrect and should have been a red card, whilst also ruling that VAR should have intervened to recommend an on-field review for a possible red card.
The notes attached read: “The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (4:1) deeming the on-field decision incorrect.
“The majority (4:1) believed VAR should have intervened to recommend an OFR review for a red card as the challenge endangered the safety of an opponent.
“One panelist believed that a yellow card was sufficient and VAR was correct not to intervene.”
Fraser was issued a red card for denying United striker Louis Moult a clear goal-scoring opportunity inside the penalty area.
MacDermid issued a yellow card on the field, but was recommended by VAR to review the incident for a possible red card.
MacDermid then upgraded his yellow to a red and Fraser was ordered off the park. The KMI panel have now ruled that the VAR intervention was wrong and MacDermid’s yellow card was suffice because Fraser’s challenge did not deny an obvious goal-scoring chance.
It should be made clear that two of the five panel members disagreed with the majority decision. The notes attached read: “The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the on-field decision of a yellow card correct.
“The majority (3:2) believed that VAR incorrectly intervened to suggest an OFR for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Three members of the panel highlighted that they didn’t think it was clear and obvious enough for VAR to become involved.
“Two panel members believed that VAR was correct to intervene and recommend an OFR for a red card to be awarded as they deemed the offence to be denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.”
During Hearts 1-1 Aberdeen on Sunday, Milne made a dangerous challenge on Baningime which referee Kevin Clancy deemed not even to be a foul, never mind serious foul play.
VAR had a quick look for a possible red card for Milne, but did not deem the challenge to be worthy enough for an on-field review.
The KMI panel have now ruled that Clancy should have awarded a red card on the pitch and that VAR should have intervened and recommended an on-field review.
According to the accompanying notes, the majority (4:1) of the panel, after extensive discussion, decided that the onfield decision was wrong.
The majority (4:1) thought that as the challenge jeopardized an opponent’s safety, VAR ought to have stepped in and recommended an OFR for a red card.
“One panelist thought that because the point of contact was low, VAR was right to not step in for a red card.”
