Aberdeen make VAR call to 'regain trust' in Scottish FA appeals process
- Published
Aberdeen's Michael Devlin controversially sent off
Aberdeen say seriously considering the introduction of live video technology is required to "regain trust" in the Scottish FA's appeals process.
The Dons remain unhappy with the Scottish FA's explanation of why Mikey Devlin was sent off against Kilmarnock.
The SFA ruled that Devlin had denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
"We see at the World Cup how the VAR process aided the referee and gave the referees more confidence to make the big calls," said manager Derek McInnes.
"Unfortunately, we don't have that here, but the appeal process just has to show more common sense."
The SFA said in May that it welcomed the International Football Association Board's decision to permit video assistant referees.
But, while it said it would be happy to embrace the technology, it stressed that it would need to prove "affordable to implement", which is likely to prove a major hurdle.
Aberdeen's appeal against Devlin's sending off was rejected by the SFA's disciplinary panel and Kilmarnock were left unhappy that they failed in a challenge against a red card shown to Gary Dicker.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos did have a red card overturned after he was sent off against the Dons.
McInnes was speaking as his club issued a strong statement on its website saying they find "the explanation provided by the Scottish FA in relation to the Michael Devlin red card appeal unacceptable" and would be contacting the Scottish Professional Football League.
"In light of recent decisions taken by the SFA, the club believes it is imperative for the country's football authorities to establish consistency and transparency in the appeal and referral process and will engage in dialogue with the SPFL in this regard to seek their assistance," Aberdeen stated.
"Furthermore, at a time when technology is making a significant and positive impact across sport, the club believes that the impact of the VAR system trials in the English Premier League need to be considered if stakeholders in the game are going to regain trust in the process."
'VAR is dreamland' - McCann
While Aberdeen are keen on the concept of video technology, Dundee manager Neil McCann says he doubts there is enough money in the Scottish game to introduce the technology.
"I think the finances might be a problem," he said. "Whether that can be implemented here in Scotland I don't know. Anything we can do to help the referees then great.
"Get to the right decision. That's been pretty much the thought process of everyone. But even then it's still going to come down to a human opinion that they may get wrong now and again.
"I've certainly had a number of decisions go against our side. If I had the benefit of seeing a VAR then I would have been confident that those decisions would have gone for us but as I said I think it's a wee bit dreamland that we are going to get VAR anytime soon."