St Mirren 'frustrated and disappointed' after listening to VAR audio from penalty call

St Mirren are “frustrated and disappointed” over the decision making process that led to them being denied a penalty against Ross County after being allowed to review the VAR audio and footage of the incident.

The Paisley club contacted the Scottish Football Association’s referee department over the fact that the referee was not called over to a monitor for an on-field review.

They insist they should have been awarded a spot-kick in the 1-1 draw at Dingwall on Tuesday night and believe the VAR team made an “error”.

The incident took place in the first-half when County defender Ryan Leak appeared to handle the ball after a cross into the box.

In a statement released on Thursday St Mirren, who are sitting fifth in the Premiership, said a the referee’s department agreed that an on-field review should have taken place and therefore there “mistake was made in the process”.

It read: “St Mirren Football Club can confirm it has spoken to the Scottish Football Association’s Referee Department regarding the decision not to check for a penalty after a handball in Tuesday night’s draw with Ross County.

“The club believes VAR made an error by not recommending an On-Field Review following a handball by a Ross County defender in the first-half.

“Having been allowed to review the full VAR audio and footage it is clear there has been a mistake in the process.

“There was a quick VAR review that centred around a shirt pull on James Bolton in the box.

“We also believe this could have been a penalty but understand that is subjective. However, the handball was a factual event, and the Referee Department has agreed that this should have led to an On-Field Review.

“While we welcome continued independent reviews aimed at making the process as robust as possible, and appreciate the openness and transparency from the Referee Department in reviewing this incident, we remain frustrated and disappointed that the correct process wasn’t followed on this occasion.”

Toyosi Olusanya’s late strike cancelled out Jordan White’s earlier opener for the home side in the Premiership tie.