Dundee and VAR: Willie Collum insists ref was right on Ross County penalty that relegated St Johnstone

Dundee and VAR: Willie Collum insists ref was right on Ross County penalty that relegated St Johnstone.

Dundee and VAR: Willie Collum insists the ref was correct on the Ross County penalty that relegated St Johnstone.

Willie Collum believes Nick Walsh was correct to award the penalty kick that cost Dundee a crucial victory over Ross County and relegated St Johnstone.

The Dark Blues led 1-0 at Dens Park entering stoppage time in the season’s penultimate game.

A win would keep the Dee safe from relegation while also giving Saints the chance to overtake the Staggies on the final day.

However, referee Nick Walsh controversially penalised Antonio Portales for handball, and Ronan Hale equalised from the spot.

The decision was described as “an absolute disgrace”.

However, Collum, the head of refereeing, has backed his official.

What exactly did the VAR say?

Simon Murray remonstrates with referee Nick Walsh after the late, late penalty decision denied victory. Image:Ross Parker/SNS

Simon Murray argues with referee Nick Walsh following Ross County’s victory being denied by a late penalty call. Ross Parker/SNS imageThe audio from the event is available on YouTube in the SFA’s monthly VAR Review.

“I need to check that,” stated VAR Andrew Dallas after the ball touched Portales’ arm.

Nick Walsh, the referee: “Penalty. Handball. The arm appears to be higher than shoulder height.

VAR: “It hits off the hand after a slight touch on his head.”

VAR: “It’s Andrew, Nick. Just the APP (attacking phase of play) will be examined. Just so you know, [Portales] has his back to him and his teammate is leading it.

Tony Docherty meets the referee team after the final whistle. Image: David Young/Action Plus/Shutterstock

Tony Docherty signals to referee Nick Walsh following Dundee’s 1-1 draw with Ross County. Image: David Young/Action Plus/Shutterstock

However, the arm is higher than shoulder height and over the head. Even though it’s close, it strikes his hand, which is higher than shoulder height.

“The attacker has no effect on the defending.

 

“Verifying the penalty kick decision made on the pitch. Verify everything.

Collum said what?

Although Willie Collum defended the ruling, he acknowledged that the handball regulation might be interpreted differently for the upcoming season.

“We have heard a lot of opinions about the decision,” he stated. I will never merely defend choices made on our show.

“I’ll be honest and open.

This is the right interpretation according to the game’s rules because the arm is much too high over the head.

“The referee made the correct decision in awarding the penalty kick.

SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum. Image: Craig Williamson/SNS

Willie Collum, SFA head of refereeing. Craig Williamson/SNS imageNothing in the law suggests that it should be disregarded. It states that there is a chance of punishment for anyone who has their arm raised.

“There is no reason to bring the referee to the monitor here once the situation has been clarified, as the referee was very clear and the VAR discussed it.”

“That has been said, but why?

“That is the right interpretation in terms of the law this season.

In terms of handball, I would say we believe we are in a better position. To find out, we watched a bunch of last season’s clips. We should take another look at this clip.

We talk about this kind of thing a lot after the season.

“Next season is a possibility [though it isn’t specified].” We’ll hear what folks have to say. Although there are many ifs and buts, no one can claim that the law isn’t given.

What about Dundee’s other VAR rulings?

Two additional contentious rulings against the Dark Blues were also discussed in the VAR Review.

Collum said that he was “disappointed” with VAR’s decision to assess a shove by Kyle Vassell of Kilmarnock on Simon Murray because it was beyond the area rather than a foul.

Antonio Portales was involved in another that turned out to be far more contentious. The Mexican had already given Dundee a 2-0 lead against Motherwell with a beautiful volley and another strike into the top corner.

But in the build-up, Clark Robertson was given offside, a call that former Dee manager Tony Docherty denounced as a “disgrace.”

Collum supported the ruling once more, but acknowledged that the referee needed to have been brought to the monitor to examine it in person.

Antonio Portales celebrates wildly before seeing his second goal against Motherwell ruled out by VAR. Image: Craig Foy/SNS
Antonio Portales had a wild celebration before VAR disallows his second goal against Motherwell. Craig Foy/SNS imageHe stated: “[Clark Robertson] raises his leg to challenge the Motherwell player after coming out to do so. The VAR crew only needed to make that difficult gesture to conclude that there had been an impact.

We spread the word about this clip. We examined it with the referees, and the KMI panel did the same.

Most likely, it was 60-40 in favour of offside. In order to consider our future course of action, we want to examine it and discuss it with the clubs, players, coaches, and match officials during the off-season.

“We are happy with the choice. The process is where we are not satisfied. The referee needs to have been brought to the monitor in this particular category.

“This choice is not supported by facts. Although it is subjective whether the player’s offside affects the motion, it is a truth.

“The on-field match official should handle that.”

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