Upgrading Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons‘ yellow card to red in their 2-0 defeat by Aberdeen was the correct decision, Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has concluded.
Collum highlighted eight controversial incidents in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA’s YouTube channel, saying he was “content with the start we’ve made”.
However, he concluded that Celtic should have been awarded a penalty in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock, while Dundee United ought to have had a spot-kick for hand ball in their 2-2 draw with Dundee – both on the opening weekend.
Aberdeen 2-0 Kilmarnock – 25 August
Brad Lyons was initially booked by referee Matthew MacDermid for a challenge on Ester Sokler at Pittodrie, but the visiting midfielder was sent off following a VAR review.
“We are happy that the VAR recommended an on-field review and that the card was overturned from yellow to red,” Collum said.
“We don’t think the player is in complete control. We think the point of contact was high – it is on the shin – and it therefore endangers the safety of the opponent.”