As Willie Collum examines occurrences throughout the Premiership in December, the SFA’s most recent VAR review show has been released.
Collum, the SFA’s head referee, acknowledges two VAR mistakes in this edition: a tackle during Dundee United’s victory over St Mirren and a challenge during Hearts’ draw with Aberdeen.
Referee Kevin Clancy decided that Jack Milne’s challenge on Beni Baningime during Hearts 1-1 Aberdeen at the beginning of the month was not even deserving of a Hearts free kick, so VAR took a look at it.
Clancy’s first on-field decision was upheld because the VAR crew did not think the challenge was dangerous enough to warrant an on-field review for a red card.
After that, the KMI panel decided that Clancy ought to have been sent out on the pitch, or at the very least, VAR ought to have stepped in and suggested an on-field review.
Aberdeen’s Jack Milne challenge against Beni Baningime of Hearts
Collum has now accepted the decision made by the KMI panel. “During their coaching sessions, we discussed this with the referees,” he stated. In addition to the large number of referees who considered red cards, there were also several who believed yellow cards.
Here, we were most likely 60/40 in support of red. However, we also consider the KMI panel’s statement that this was a red card, which was made here at 4:1.
We will pay attention to the KMI’s voice in that type of decision since it supports us through the KMI. It is not difficult for us to come to different conclusions. And for this choice, we now favour a red card.
There are two factors here that the referee and VAR must take into account. These kind of tackles are most likely to happen when the athlete is straining for the ball.
Both an ankle buckle and an ankle bend are present. Therefore, in order to recommend a red card for major foul play, we would much rather have an on-field review.
“No foul was called in this instance. When the referee calls a foul and issues a yellow card, the VAR checks to see if there are any grounds for a yellow card.
And you would most likely have said yes at the moment. Upon thought, it is clear that we would like a red. However, the fact that the occurrence was missed gives the VAR even more opportunity to conduct that check.
“They don’t have to consider whether the referee is awarding yellow. Here, there was greater opportunity to have the referee issue a red card from the monitor.
“We anticipate receiving a red card on the pitch as we go with this task. An on-field review to suggest a red card for major foul play if missed on-field.
Toyosi Olusanya of St. Mirren was tackled by Jack Walton of Dundee United.
Collum also went over the VAR procedure in relation to Jack Walton’s heavy tackle on Toyosi Olusanya, a forward for St Mirren, by Dundee United’s custodian.
Walton received a yellow card from referee Matthew MacDermid, and VAR did not suggest an on-field review for a potential red card.
Collum has since stated that the choice was incorrect. “This is definitely not denying a goal-scoring opportunity, definitely not,” he said. However, it is grave foul play.
The goalie catches the St. Mirren player high, therefore height is crucial in this situation. In our opinion, it also satisfies the requirements for jeopardising an opponent’s safety because of its pace and ferocity.
“And a red card for serious foul play should have been recommended by an on-field review.”
