Furious Dundee United demand VAR change as they withdraw from SFA panel, criticising its 'lack of expertise'

Dundee United have called for a major overhaul of how VAR is implemented in Scottish football - withdrawing their support for the SFA’s Key Match Incident panel. Furious at the fact a contentious Marley Watkins goal was allowed to stand in a 1-0 loss to Kilmarnock last weekend, United have contacted the SFA to express their grievance. United boss Jim Goodwin insisted at the time that Watkins’ goal should have been referred for an on-field review after what appeared to be a foul on goalkeeper Jack Walton.

Left incredulous by that decision among several others, the Tannadice club how have withdrawn their representation on the Key Match Incident [KMI] Panel. The five-person KMI panel consists of three independent members with careers within Scottish football (coaches, former players or media figures), one representative from the SFA and one from SPFL clubs. The individuals rotate on a weekly basis - and an expert knowledge of the rule book is not a prerequisite to sit in judgement of potentially challenging calls.

United cited a ‘lack of expertise’ on the panel and also hit out at what they felt had been major inconsistencies with the use of VAR throughout the season. Kilmarnock's Marley Watkins challenges Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Walton. Despite United feeling there was a foul on the goalkeeper, the goal was allowed to stand. United manager Jim Goodwin felt the decision should have been overturned by VAR.

A club statement read: ‘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.’.

United believe that the introduction of VAR has ‘highlighted inconsistency in decision-making’ but insisted they 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’. United’s stance comes hot on the heels of St Mirren expressing ‘disappointment’ following the controversial call not to award them a penalty in last weekend’s defeat to St Johnstone.