Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum admits Matthew MacDermid did not display “good body language” in the lead-up to Cyriel Dessers‘ goal in Rangers’ recent 2-0 win over St Johnstone.
But he believes the goal was correctly awarded after a VAR intervention in the League Cup tie, while Kilmarnock were also rightly denied a penalty in Saints’ 3-0 Premiership win at Rugby Park.
The incidents are among eight controversial moments analysed in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA’s YouTube channel, with Collum 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.
Kilmarnock 0-3 St Johnstone – 11 August
Kilmarnock thought they should have a penalty when Danny Armstrong went down under a challenge from Andre Raymond.
Referee Chris Graham booked the home winger for simulation, but VAR decided that his heel had been clipped, but it was outside the penalty box.
“This is a wrong decision on-field,” Collum said. “It is a foul, it is a trip and, when the VAR sees it’s outside the box, it’s impossible for the VAR to become involved.
“It is a quirk. Had it been a yard further, VAR could have become involved and the decision overturned and a penalty given. It is impossible for us to fix it through VAR.”
Rangers 2-0 St Johnstone – 17 August
Dessers’ goal was controversial at the time, with St Johnstone players and manager Craig Levein claiming their defenders had been distracted by referee MacDermid signalling for a free-kick in their favour.
“Here, the referee probably doesn’t display good body language,” Collum admitted. “His body language when the challenge is made is edging towards a free-kick.
“But he correctly delays the whistle, he correctly communicates so the VAR is aware of what he intends doing if a goal is scored and, when the ball hits the net, he then blows his whistle for what he deems to be a defensive free-kick.
“VAR checks and realises the Rangers player hasn’t committed a foul and they therefore recommend an on-field review.
“Apart from the body language, the correct process was followed and ultimately the correct decision was reached.”
Collum also pointed out that the audio recording disproved claims that the referee had blown his whistle before the goal was scored.