In a recent review by the Scottish FA's Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel, opinions were divided regarding the VAR decision that awarded Aberdeen a penalty during their thrilling 2-1 victory over Rangers last month.
Aberdeen initially took the lead in the first half thanks to a well-placed goal from Nicky Devlin.
Then as Jimmy Thelin's team aimed to extend their advantage before half-time, VAR stepped in to assess a pivotal moment in the match.
The incident in question involved Rangers centre-back John Souttar, who was deemed to have handled the ball inside the penalty area - a call that went unnoticed by the on-field referee, John Beaton.
After a detailed review process, the decision was made to award a penalty to the home side.
The opportunity to double their lead at Pittodrie fell to Republic of Ireland international Jamie McGrath, but his effort from 12 yards was easily saved by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
This victory not only solidified Aberdeen's impressive start to the Scottish Premiership season under Thelin but also created a significant nine-point gap between them and third-placed Rangers.
Thelin - who was voted Glen's Vodka Manager of the Month for October - celebrated the remarkable achievement of securing 15 wins from his first 16 matches. A magnificent run which was ended by Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final last weekend.
Read more:
- The two key Celtic defenders missing from training on Friday
- Rangers next Europa League opponent bills France clash as 'must win'
"The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (4:1) deeming the on-field decision incorrect," the report on Friday said.
"The majority (4:1) believed VAR was correct to intervene and award a penalty for handball. One panelist believed that a penalty should not have been awarded and VAR was incorrect to intervene."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel