Dundee United have issued a bombshell statement as the club raises VAR concerns – and pulled out of sending representatives to the KMI (key match incident) panel.
The Scottish Premiership club have informed the SFA of their decision which comes after numerous discussions throughout the campaign so far with the Refereeing Department, with issues raised over the panel’s purpose, effectiveness and impact on the game. They believe the feedback provided by the Scottish Football Association is ‘inconsistent’ with the outcomes of the panel which they say are based on views of ‘panel members who, for the most part, lack significant expertise in the laws of the game’.
Furthermore, Dundee United want to IMPROVE the overall game in the country and are calling on all parties to help make improvements. They reckon inconsistent interpretations of the laws of the game arise from VAR – and have highlighted these concerns to the governing body. They accept decisions will go against the club and that referees are like everybody else and will make mistakes or decisions that are not agreed with, but feel the technology brings a higher level of scrutiny in the public eye.
Record Sport revealed at the weekend that St Mirren want a total revamp of VAR in the top flight and want it taken OUT of the hands of the SFA. They want an independent body in charge alongside a host of changes. Dundee United are now the latest club to speak out.
A statement reads: “Dundee United FC has today formally notified the Scottish FA of our decision to withdraw our representation from the KMI panel. 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.”