Four Rangers referee decisions analysed by KMI panel, one ‘incorrect’

The Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel have analysed four big decisions from Rangers’ 2-2 draw at Motherwell. 

Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash was filled with contentious moments, with Steven McLean on VAR having to assist referee Kevin Clancy on several occasions.

One of those was the on-field whistler deciding Motherwell’s Tony Watt had fouled Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland after an Andy Halliday corner went straight into the net in the second half.

It looked a potentially soft outcome at the time, but VAR didn’t recommend a pitch side review.

Now the majority of the KMI panel have come to the conclusion that both the on-field and subsequent VAR decisions were incorrect, meaning the goal should have stood.

A SFA note read: "The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the on-field decision incorrect. The majority (3:2) believed that VAR should have intervened and recommended an OFR for the goal to be awarded.

“Two members of the panel highlighted that they didn't think it was clear and obvious enough for VAR to get involved and the on-field decision should be supported."

(Image: Sky Sports Scotland)

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Another incident occurred on the 16th minute when Apostolos Stamatelopoulos fired beyond Butland to score Motherwell's opener. 

There was a lengthy VAR check for handball in the build up, however, the goal was given because the Australian striker's movements were deemed accidental and occurred in a previous phase of play. 

"The on-field decision was unanimously supported," it has been confirmed.

(Image: Sky Sports Scotland) The third incident that was debated came when Motherwell starlet Lennon Miller flew into a tackle on Rangers' Oscar Cortes, yet escaped with only a yellow card when many were demanding a red to be shown. 

"The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the onfield decision correct," they reveal. 

"The majority (3:2) believed that VAR was correct not to intervene as they didn't think the foul was clear and obvious enough for VAR to get involved and a caution sufficed. Two members of the panel highlighted that they thought the VAR should have recommended an OFR for a red card to be given."

(Image: PA) And the fourth saw Motherwell forward Watt in the firing line again. This time he thought that he'd put his side 3-1 up after Clancy awarded a goal. But following a VAR review, the former Celtic man saw his glory cut short as teammate Dan Casey was adjudged to have been offside prior to the ball hitting the net. 

"The panel unanimously agreed that the on-field onside decision was incorrect," it has been confirmed. "The panel highlighted VAR was correct to intervene and disallow the goal for offside."

(Image: Sky Sports Scotland)