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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Kilmarnock highlight VAR concerns with SFA after handball flashpoint

Kilmarnock have gone to the Scottish FA to raise their concerns over the use of VAR.

Herald & Times Sport can reveal that the club is seeking clarification regarding the handball incident involving St Johnstone's Andy Considine on Saturday.

The experienced centre-back flapped at the ball inside the Saints area after a cross from Jordan Jones in the second half.

However, Killie were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty.

Joe Wright went up for a header as he looked to score his second of the game - that finished 1-1 at Rugby Park - as the ball struck Considine's hand, which was raised high above his head.

Despite a good view of the incident, referee Chris Graham waved the play on.

A VAR check for a potential penalty then took place. After a rough three-minute review by Mike Roncone at Clydesdale House, it was concluded that no infringement occurred. Graham was not advised to check the pitchside monitor, as the Premiership encounter continued.

It is understood the Ayrshire club has made their disapproval clear to the SFA after the weekend action.

They've become the latest top-flight club to address a VAR issue with the governing body of Scottish football.

Other major talking points from the game at Rugby Park were Kyle Vassell's disallowed goal for handball, as well as Rory McKenzie's claim for a spot kick.

Derek McInnes was left to lament VAR in the aftermath of the game, insisting his side get "zilch" from the technology.

He said: "On the decision with big Andy Considine. He was like that to me, 'I don't know how I got away with that'. He knew right away it's hit his arm. It's fully extended.

"I asked the referee, 'Why were you not asked to look at that?' He told me VAR said they had checked it, and there was no need to look at it.

"For our disallowed goal, the fourth official tried to explain to me during the game when he said the ball had hit Kyle Vassell's arm before he put it over the line. He said any player who handles the ball and gets an obvious advantage for a goal has to be penalised.

"I haven't seen the Rory McKenzie penalty claim again. I actually thought the referee had a decent game. But it's like VAR was brought in to help and aid the referees, and give them that chance to have a second look at things.

"I think we seem to be looking at so many things that aren't needing to be looked at again, and so many things we should be looking at again, particularly that penalty kick.

"It's frustrating. You hear Ange Postecoglou and whoever talking and almost scoffing at VAR as if they get nothing. While we, if you look at it, have had zilch. Honestly, it's ridiculous. We don't seem to get any breaks at all.

"I thought we performed well. Saints are notoriously hard to play against."

While Saturday's point moved Killie out of the relegation play-off spot, there's no doubt it was a missed opportunity to move further clear of Ross County and Dundee United at the bottom.

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