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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Scottish FA admit failing to review Shaun Rooney incident against Kilmarnock

The Scottish FA VAR review panel has conceded that their refereeing officials got it wrong by not sending St Mirren's Shaun Rooney off for lashing out at Kyle Vassell of Kilmarnock

The incident occurred during a Scottish Premiership clash last weekend, when the Killie striker attempts to get the ball under control from a throw-in before Rooney came lunging in from behind. 

He then repeatedly kicks Vassell while he's on the ground, yet the St Mirren defender managed to walk away without even being cautioned, with VAR man Andrew Dallas not appearing fazed by what had happened.

Even more outrageously referee Matthew McDermid actually signalled for a free-kick the other way.

Since that match finished 2-2 in Paisley, the SFA have conducted a rethink and informed Kilmarnock that Rooney should've been dismissed for his actions. This shows further transparency, which is something that the governing body is trying to improve. 


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A Kilmarnock spokesperson on Friday said: “After discussions with the SFA and SPFL, we were disappointed that VAR failed to intervene at the time of the incident, but appreciate that it has now been flagged up and hope this can help future decision making.”

(Image: BBC Scotland) Speaking about the reckless passage of play after the match, Killie manager Derek McInnes raged: "He volleys Kyle Vasell on the deck. If VAR isn't going to get involved in that, when are they going to get involved? Kyle is between the ball and Shaun Rooney.

"Now, if Rooney is going for the ball and showing a bit of restraint to try and get there..but he has want full-blooded into Kyle Vassell's hip.

"The referee doesn't even speak to him never mind deal with him. So, disappointed that has been allowed on a football pitch. It should be condemned, and I don't like talking about other teams' players, but that was an outrageous piece of refereeing."

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