Jim Goodwin was raging at decisions that went against Dundee United while Hibs boss David Gray insisted “rules are rules.”
It was a contentious night at Tannadice as the Hibees beat United 3-1 to go level on points with them and jump above them into fourth on goal difference.
With the score tied at 1-1, Sam Dalby towered above Nectar Triantis to power a header into the net and seemingly hand the Tangerines a priceless lead. But it was ruled out for an apparent handball which caused bafflement at the time.
It is claimed Dalby headed the ball off his own hand which diverted it into the net but the replays we have seen are inconclusive.
Goodwin insists Dundee United were denied a “perfectly good goal” after watching the footage back and not being able to see any infrigement.
While Gray gave his opinion that it was a handball by the letter of the law.
United are demanding answers about VAR and have submitted a request to the SFA to have the video and audio footage shared with them to see how the decision was arrived at.
Dermot Gallagher gives verdict on Dalby disallowed goal vs Hibs
Former English Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher has taken a look at the game for Sky Sports and given his thoughts on the key incidents.
He insists the decision to disallow Dalby’s goal was CORRECT as he claims the ball was heading wide of the goal before being diverted by a hand.
He said: “Everyone thinks it’s harsh when it happens like this because he has got no idea what’s happened. But, if you look, as he heads the ball it’s actually going wide, strikes his arm through no fault of his own and cannons into the net.
“It is harsh, we all know that. Because he has no idea, he probably doesn’t know what’s happened. But now that we’ve got this rule that if it goes in off your arm it’s going to be disallowed.”
Hibs goal kick in lead up to goal
Goodwin was also furious his side were denied a corner in the lead-up to a Hibs goal, with the visitors benefiting from getting a goal kick.
Gallagher explained: “When you look at it, it’s such a tough call. I think every referee works on the basis of probability and in that situation you don’t know. He couldn’t be sure so he’s given a goal kick. That’s what all referees will do, take the safe option.
“We talk about consequences. Take the goal kick, he goes up the other end and scores. That’s why we’re talking about it. If it had just been taken short we wouldn’t be talking about it.
“I’d have given a goal kick because that’s what we do. If you’re not sure you’ve got to go for the safest option.”
Hoilett Hibs goal given
Asked if this was the correct call, Gallagher said: “Yes. That’s so tight and it’s given onside so there is ones that go the other way. Unfortunately we only remember the ones that are ruled out.
“But that would’ve been ruled out without VAR, so redemption for VAR.”