The Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel have deemed Motherwell’s third goal against Rangers was incorrectly ruled out, while Hearts were wrongly denied a penalty by VAR at Ross County.
Motherwell were leading 2-1 at Fir Park when Jack Butland punched the ball into his own net, however, referee Kevin Clancy blew for a foul on the Gers goalkeeper.
Rangers went on to level the game, while Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell was sent off for his protestations.
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The Ref Watch panel discuss whether Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland was fortunate to be given a foul after Motherwell scored from a corner
“The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the onfield decision incorrect”, said the KMI report. “The majority (3:2) believed that VAR should have intervened and recommended an OFR (on field review) for the goal to be awarded. Two members of the panel highlighted that they didn’t think it was clear and obvious enough for VAR to get involved and the on-field decision should be supported.”
Meanwhile, in Dingwall, Hearts were awarded a penalty when James Penrice was brought down in the box by Ross County’s Michee Efete.
A penalty was initially awarded when Ross County’s Michee Efete brought down Hearts’ James Penrice
Referee Ross Hardie pointed to the spot – with Hearts 2-0 ahead – however, he then reversed that decision after a lengthy VAR check, with it adjudged the foul was outside the area. Hearts went onto draw the game 2-2.
“The panel discussed this decision at length,” the KMI report read. “The majority (4:1) agreed with the initial onfield decision. The four panellists agreed an initial foul had occurred outside of the penalty area, however they believed there was a further foul committed inside the penalty area and the original decision should have stood. One panel member agreed with the VAR intervention as the initial foul was outside the penalty area and in their opinion nothing punishable took place after this.”
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Highlights from Hearts’ draw at Ross County in the Scottish Premiership
The Scottish FA publish a weekly assessment of key match incidents occurring in games where VAR is operational. The review panel vote to determine if on-field decision and any subsequent VAR intervention were correct.
Each KMI panel consists of five members: three independent members with established careers within Scottish football – such as coaches, former players and members of the Scottish football media – one representative from the Scottish FA and one representative from SPFL clubs.
