Dundee United has launched a scathing assessment of the Scottish FA's KMI panel.
The Premiership club has withdrawn its representation from the panel and has called for a 'robust process' to help improve officiating and VAR standards in Scottish football.
The KMI panel, as stated on the SFA website, 'delivers an assessment of key match incidents (KMIs) occurring in matches played in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Premiership, League Cup and Scottish Gas Scottish Cup where VAR is operational'.
A lengthy club statement reads: "Dundee United FC has today formally notified the Scottish FA of our decision to withdraw our representation from the KMI panel.
Club Statement | #DUFC withdraws representation from KMI Panel and calls for VAR reform 📰⤵️
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) February 5, 2025
"This decision follows extensive discussions throughout the season with the Scottish FA Refereeing Department, where we raised concerns regarding the panel’s purpose, effectiveness, and impact on Scottish football.
"We believe the panel’s outcomes have been inconsistent with feedback provided by the Scottish FA.
"There have been instances where on-field decisions, supported by VAR and endorsed by the Scottish FA Refereeing Department, were contradicted by the KMI panel.
"In many cases, these disagreements appear to be based on the opinions of panel members who, for the most part, lack significant expertise in the laws of the game.
"Subsequent outcomes have been magnified by external media misrepresentations, placing undue pressure on our match officials and potentially influencing decisions in future matches.
"We believe changes should be made to the KMI panel or an alternative, more robust process should be used for reviewing refereeing decisions if deemed a requirement.
"Additionally, we have expressed our concerns to the Scottish FA regarding the inconsistent interpretations of the laws of the game arising from VAR.
"This inconsistency has, at various times, caused other William Hill Premiership clubs to express their frustration at the use of VAR, and while we are fully aware of our desire to ensure Dundee United at all times are given fair representation, we also wish to improve the overall game in Scottish football and encourage all parties to collaborate on making improvements.
"We further acknowledge that decisions will sometimes go against us - that is an inherent part of football. We also accept that referees, like everyone else, will make mistakes, and we respect the authority of match officials to make decisions - even when they may be contentious.
"However, as a club, we believe that the introduction of VAR has highlighted inconsistency in decision-making.
"As a result, scrutiny has been enhanced and refereeing decisions have become a more prominent public issue.
"Dundee United FC will always prioritise the interests of our club, but we will also be reaching out to the Scottish FA and the SPFL, encouraging all Premiership clubs to come together.
"We are seeking ways to support our officials and improve both the VAR protocol and any subsequent review panel, with a view to enhancing Scottish football for the benefit of its member clubs."
In the club's press release, United included a photo of Kilmarnock's goal scored by Marley Watkins in the weekend defeat at Rugby Park.
Jim Goodwin felt a foul had been committed by the striker on his goalkeeper Jack Walton.
Derek McInnes and other Scottish football commentators have since suggested that Walton failed to command his box, thus allowing Watkins the chance to compete to nod home.
