Killie, United, the SFA will relegate a team this season
Celtic won the match, we were awarded a penalty and our opponents had a man sent off. VAR spotted an incident missed by the referee, fans and (it seems) all of the players, including the one fouled, to correctly call a penalty to Hibs. VAR also correctly informed the referee his decision to award Celtic a second penalty and book David Marshall was wrong.
No complaints then. But take a look at the other Premiership games on Saturday and it is difficult to argue that the standard of refereeing and VAR is not at the required level.
A win would have put Kilmarnock three points clear of the play-off spot. They were denied this as the ref and VAR failed to notice St Johnstone defender, Andrew Considine, fully extending his arm above his head and punching the ball inside his own 6-yard box. The ref was not even asked to look at it.
Dundee United are bottom. A win would have taken them level on points with Ross County. They were leading until the 73rd minute when Curtis Main took an unprovoked flop inside the box. That the referee thought it a penalty is concerning enough, but the VAR agreeing makes a mockery of the sport.
Fir Park was again the scene of a remarkable off-side decision, this time a goal was given. Lines were drawn by VAR before the moment the ball was released; Newco were allowed the goal that put them in the lead. Lines draw at the moment of release show the striker a yard of daylight ahead of the last defender. Todd Cantwell is one to watch. His side were two goals ahead when he fell to the ground clutching his face. His face, dear readers, was untouched. VAR declined to advise the referee to take another look.
What’s it to us? We are top of the league and aspiring to win everything this season. But if you support Dundee United or Kilmarnock, Saturday’s mistakes could see you relegated. Refereeing like this causes distress, mistrust and is simply not good enough.
If only Kyogo would score a goal the SFA head of refereeing, Crawford Allan, thought was offside, he might be gracious enough to comment publicly on the failures of his organisation.