Report: Top-flight side demand SFA summit on refereeing, Celtic set to take part

By John McGinley

March 20, 2023

Dundee United will move to lodge a formal complaint with the Scottish FA on the state of refereeing and use of VAR in the Premiership this season after they were one of a number of clubs left aggrieved with decisions over the weekend.

Loick Ayina conceded a penalty in their 1-1 draw with St Mirren, which may have had massive ramifications for their bid to survive relegation. Dundee United are convinced that officials have made the incorrect call despite using video evidence.

The Tayside club have subsequently held talks with authorities and head of referees Crawford Allan, but The Scottish Sun now reports that United will officially call for a meeting with the other 11 top-flight sides, including Celtic.

Clubs want answers from the SFA

The Tannadice club are said to be confident that there is a desire from the rest of the clubs in the Premiership to thrash it all out in an urgent get-together, with so much at stake in the final stages of the season after the international break.

Concerns include the scope of VAR’s use with players and managers apparently confused about it straying into areas of officiating they were told it wouldn’t be used for prior to the technology roll-out.

There was a fair chunk of refereeing drama at Celtic Park at the weekend. Hibs didn’t agree with any of Steven McLean’s big decisions on the day, even the penalty they were awarded that put them ahead in the match.

Earlier in the season, Celtic had many complaints of their own. Handball decisions in our matches have varied in consistency, especially since the VAR introduction. The SFA were also forced to release a statement regarding the positioning of cameras when a Jota goal was ruled offside away to Motherwell.

At the moment, many clubs feel aggrieved and with the break up for international football, it’s the perfect time to get some answers and assurances from Hampden.

In other news, Celtic loanee Albian Ajeti overcomes injury woe to make immediate goal impact; transfer clause.