Referee reviews: Celtic and Dundee United penalty incidents

Willie Collum, the head of referees for the Scottish Football Association, has conducted an assessment of VAR decisions from the first four weeks of the season, highlighting key incidents involving Celtic and Dundee United. He believes both teams should have been awarded penalties during their respective matches. Collum's review is part of a new monthly show called 'The VAR Review' on the Scottish FA's YouTube channel, aimed at providing transparency and insight into officiating decisions. In his analysis, Collum specifically addressed a controversial moment at Celtic Park involving striker Kyogo Furuhashi and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie. The incident occurred when Furuhashi touched the ball past McCrorie, leading to a collision. The on-field referee, Don Robertson, along with VAR officials, ultimately decided against awarding a penalty, a decision that has since been scrutinized. Collum also took the opportunity to critique the body language of referee Matthew MacDermid during a separate incident involving Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers in a match against St Johnstone. This critique underscores the importance of referees' demeanor and decision-making in high-pressure situations, especially in cup competitions. The discussions and reviews by Collum aim to improve the understanding of refereeing decisions among fans and players alike, fostering a more informed dialogue about the role of VAR in Scottish football. The emphasis on transparency is crucial as the season progresses, and the scrutiny of officiating continues to be a significant topic of conversation in the sport.