Willie Collum admits officials got two major decisions wrong early in season

Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum conceded that match officials got two major decisions wrong in the early weeks of the season, but says he’s content with progress being made.

The former whistler, who is now in charge of all referee operations at the governing body, was taking part in a new monthly show on the Scottish FA YouTube channel that aims to explain decisions and provide transparency around difficult calls and controversial incidents.

In the first show, he talked through eight incidents and admits the wrong call was made on two occasions.

He believes Celitc should have been awarded a penalty in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock and also thinks Dundee United should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-2 derby draw with Dundee.

“The purpose of the VAR Review is to educate and inform fans throughout the season on the decisions and the decision making process on the pitch and in Clydesdale House,” Collum said.

“The overall aim is to improve transparency and understanding as our game evolves.

“It’s fantastic to have a platform that brings fans, clubs and media closer to the decision making process.”

Looking at the incident from Celtic’s opening day win over Kilmarnock, Collum said the decision-making was wrong in an incident when Kyogo Furuhashi made contact with Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie when running on to a free-kick that was played over the visitors’ defence.

He said the referee was “surprised” and should have been directed to review a clear foul.

“We believe this was the wrong decision. We have coached the referees and the VARs that a penalty kick should have been awarded here.

“It is an unexpected free-kick with the way the ball is chipped. It catches the on-field referee by surprise and it’s very difficult for the referee to find an angle round that wall to get a proper view.

“The Celtic player clearly gets ahead and touches the ball past the goalkeeper and we then think the goalkeeper’s actions are reckless. An off-field review should have been requested and the referee asked to come to the monitor.

Introducing 'The VAR Review', a new monthly show with behind-the-scenes insight on the big decisions across Scottish football.

Complete with matchday audio, we’ll look at decisions from the previous month – whether they are right or wrong.

➡️ Watch now: https://t.co/4BfG0yzczB
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) September 11, 2024

For the Dundee derby, also on the first day of the season, United had believed they should have been awarded a penalty for a hand ball by Dundee’s Luke Graham. Collum agreed and said that a spot-kick offence had been missed.

“This was a missed handball,” he said.

“The ball firstly travels from distance, from a corner kick.

“The Dundee player, when he jumps, his arm is in an unnatural position and he’s not jostling with an opponent.”

The referee’s chief also shed light on a controversial incident from Rangers’ win over St Johnstone on August 17.

Cyriel Dessers scored but St Johnstone manager Craig Levein was insistent that his players believed referee Matthew McDermid had already awarded his side a free kick.

Collum criticised the match official’s body language but said the right decision was reached.

“Here, the referee probably doesn’t display good body language,” said Collum. “His body language when the challenge is made is edging towards a free-kick.

“But he correctly delays the whistle, he correctly communicates so the VAR is aware of what he intends doing if a goal is scored and, when the ball hits the net, he then blows his whistle for what he deems to be a defensive free-kick.

“VAR checks and realises the Rangers player hasn’t committed a foul and they therefore recommend an on-field review.

“Apart from the body language, the correct process was followed and ultimately the correct decision was reached.”