SFA’s KMI Review Panel backs VAR on both Hampden calls

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The Celtic Star

·25. April 2025

SFA’s KMI Review Panel backs VAR on both Hampden calls

The Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident Review Panel has issued its decision regarding two key VAR decisions in the Scottish Cup semi-final between St Johnstone and Celtic…

St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Brendan Rodgers’ side secured a commanding 5-0 victory at Hampden last Sunday and booked their place in the Scottish Cup final next month against Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen.

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Rookie referee Calum Scott made two big calls at Hampden

Nonetheless, there was debate surrounding two decisions made during Sunday’s encounter to which referee Calum Scott was sent to the VAR monitor twice on his debut as the man in the middle at Hampden for a major cup semi-final.

James Forrest. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Firstly, St Johnstone had a goal disallowed for a foul in the attacking phase of play. Makenzie Kirk’s powerful strike from distance in the 53rd minute was ruled out due to a push on Celtic forward Adam Idah during the build-up. The KMI panel supported the VAR decision with a 4-1 vote, as the decision to overturn the on-field call was closely examined.

The KMI panel said: “The majority (4:1) of the panel agreed that VAR was correct to intervene and recommend an OFR for a possible foul in the build-up and then correct to disallow the goal after review.”

Then, Celtic had a penalty decision reversed after Hoops legend James Forrest was brought down in the box. The winger weaved through several defenders before going to ground, which resulted in Scott pointing to the spot.

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal with James Forrest during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Following a VAR review, the referee’s on-field decision was once again overturned, as Forrest was not considered to have been fouled in the box. The KMI panel unanimously agreed that the revised call was accurate.

In a brief statement, the Scottish FA’s KMI panel outlined:

“The panel unanimously agreed that the on-field decision was incorrect. The panel believed VAR was correct to intervene and recommend an OFR to cancel the award of a penalty kick.”

Make of that what you will. Jamesy wasn’t fouled once, but twice. Two wrongs seem to make a bigger wrong.

Conor Spence

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