St Mirren 'frustrated' by VAR process in Ross County draw

Published 29th Feb 2024

St Mirren claim the SFA's referee department admitted that a penalty claim in the 1-1 draw with Ross County on Tuesday night should have been checked by VAR.

Toyosi Olusanya's late strike cancelled out Jordan White's earlier opener for the home side in the cinch Premiership encounter in Dingwall but Buddies boss Stephen Robinson felt his side should have been awarded a penalty for a handball by County's Ryan Leak. However, referee Chris Graham was not asked to review the incident.

The Paisley club released a statement which read: "St Mirren can confirm they have spoken to the SFA'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 believe 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."

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