Scottish Premiership Ref Watch: Key Decisions Analyzed

Review of Controversial Refereeing Decisions in the Scottish Premiership Weekend

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher returns to assess the contentious moments from the recent Scottish Premiership fixtures. Understanding these incidents not only informs fans about the rules but also highlights the challenges referees face in real-time decision-making.

Dundee Utd vs Rangers

Emmanuel Adegboyega's Tackle on Connor Barron

INCIDENT: A yellow card was issued to Adegboyega for a tackle on Barron.

DERMOT SAYS: "He's very, very low and there's minimal contact. He actually catches him across the top of the foot, so it's not as if he plants him in the shin or [puts his] studs into the ankle. The referee calls this right."

Celtic vs Hearts

Penalty Awarded then Overturned for Handball

INCIDENT: Initially, a penalty for Hearts after Liam Scales is adjudged to have handled the ball. However, after a review, the decision was overturned.

DERMOT SAYS: "Last year, you’d expect a penalty given in this situation. However, given that his arms are in a natural position for the challenge, this was the correct decision."

James Penrice's Handball Incident

INCIDENT: A cross from Nicolas Kuhn deflects off James Penrice’s hand, leading to another penalty award.

DERMOT SAYS: "This is a tricky one. The referee believes the arm is outstretched to block the cross, but the player’s quick reaction suggests a last-minute attempt to retract his arm. There’s an expectation of how players should position themselves here."

STEPHEN WARNOCK ADDS: "I agree, it’s difficult to classify this as a penalty given the distance."

St Mirren vs Kilmarnock

Joe Wright's Handball

INCIDENT: Kilmarnock was awarded a penalty for a handball by Joe Wright.

DERMOT SAYS: "This one is within the rules for handball and warrants a penalty due to the ball heading towards goal. VAR correctly picked this up."

Wright’s Subsequent Red Card

INCIDENT: Following an altercation with Shaun Rooney, Wright received a red card for what was deemed violent conduct.

DERMOT SAYS: "The referee wasn’t initially aware of the incident, but VAR’s intervention made it clear that a punch was thrown."

WARNOCK COMMENTS: "While I see the reasoning, I think the severity to warrant a red wasn’t truly there."

Rooney Kicking Kyle Vassell

INCIDENT: Rooney escaped punishment after kicking Vassell twice.

DERMOT SAYS: "The referee’s lack of call here raises questions given Rooney’s clear actions on the pitch."

Mikael Mandron's Challenge

INCIDENT: After receiving a yellow card, Mandron fouled Stuart Finlay.

DERMOT SAYS: "This was a foolish decision post-yellow card and warranted a second yellow. The booth’s assessment will show serious foul play was evident."

St Mirren’s Disallowed Goal

INCIDENT: A late goal by St Mirren was ruled out after being deemed a high boot.

DERMOT SAYS: "The outcome was definitive; a high boot leading to a foul on a player necessitates disallowing the goal."

Hibernian vs St Johnstone

Benjamin Kimpioka's Red Card

INCIDENT: A red card was issued for a challenge involving Kimpioka and Jordan Obita.

DERMOT SAYS: "There might have been a lack of contact, but the aggressive nature of the tackle influenced the referee’s decision."

Ross County vs Dundee

Penalty for Ross County

INCIDENT: Penalty awarded to Ross County after a foul by Dundee’s Ethan Ingram.

DERMOT SAYS: "At first glance it seemed light but a clear shirt pull ensures that the VAR decision to award a penalty was correct."

Understanding these referee decisions sheds light on the ongoing debates in the Scottish Premiership. As the season progresses, spectators can expect further discussions as players and officials navigate the intricacies of the game.