George Stanger had no defence against red card in Kilmarnock v Livingston – Ex-FIFA referee
George Stanger had no leg to stand on after being sent off during Kilmarnock’s 2-2 draw with Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.
Killie went two goals ahead in the first half through Djenairo Daniels and David Watson, and it was smooth sailing for Stuart Kettlewell’s side until the centre-back’s dismissal after 65 minutes.
Robbie Muirhead was able to convert from the spot following the decision, with Livingston taking advantage of their extra man, scoring a late equaliser through Scott Pittman.
Despite the referee conferring with VAR at the pitchside monitor, Kris Boyd could not believe the decision, suggesting that a free-kick should have been awarded in the opposite direction due to a previous shirt pull.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Kilmarnock reduced to 10 men in Livingston draw
The opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership was littered with controversial incidents, with Rangers’ John Souttar being on the end of a heavy, unpunished challenge in a 2-2 draw with Motherwell.
Kettlewell’s side will be hoping for a much better finish in the Scottish Premiership table this season, having finished ninth last term, but the draw on Saturday, 2 August, will not be a good start.
Kilmarnock will also be without Stanger following his sending-off, receiving a straight red card, and with a visit to Hibernian next on Sunday, 10 August, the decision has been explained by an experienced figure.
George Stanger deserved sending-off at Rugby Park
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Double jeopardy only applies when a defender makes a genuine attempt to play the ball. In this situation, he’s pulled the player, so there’s no attempt.
“Although the defender is in close proximity, he’s stopped a goalscoring opportunity, so a red card is the right decision. If the defender had played the ball, fine. But the pulling here negates the double jeopardy rule.”
Killie now travel to Easter Road before facing Dundee United in the League Cup round of 16.