Keith Hackett blasts VAR MacDermid over major Dundee United vs Hibs controversy
Keith Hackett has blasted VAR for getting involved to controversially disallow Sam Dalby’s goal for Dundee United in their defeat to Hibernian.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that technology did not need to get involved in checking if the striker’s goal was legal.
Jim Goodwin’s side suffered a blow to their hopes of securing European football following defeat to Hibernian at Tannadice Park on Wednesday night (26 February).
Things though could have played out very differently for Dundee United had VAR not taken action over one key moment in particular.
Sam Dalby denied after VAR intervention
With the score locked at 1-1, Dalby thought he had put the hosts 2-1 up in that game when he headed home a free-kick from close range in the second half.
The goal was initially given on-field by referee David Dickinson before being checked by VAR Mathew MacDermid, first for offside and then for an alleged handball.
Although replays indicate neither offence was committed, VAR still elected to disallow the goal for a handball.
With that preventing Dundee United from taking the lead, two late goals from Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett then handed Hibernian a 3-1 win to take them above their opponents in the Scottish Premiership table on goal difference.
| Scottish Premiership position | Played | Points |
| 3. Aberdeen | 28 | 41 |
| 4. Hibernian | 28 | 40 |
| 5. Dundee United | 28 | 40 |
| 6. Hearts | 28 | 36 |
Already this season, Dundee United have been on the wrong end of some controversial VAR moments, and Hackett feels they were hard done by with this one as well.
Keith Hackett reacts to Dundee United disallowed goal vs Hibernian
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision not to allow Dalby’s goal to stand for the Terras, the former referee said:
“Clearly the referee got it right and VAR created a problem for the match officials involved.
“VAR should only intervene on clear and obvious errors and not indulge themselves trying to referee a game from the comfort of a chair and a screen.”
Dundee United are next in action on Sunday afternoon (2 March) when they travel to Pittodrie to take on another side chasing European football in the form of Aberdeen.
Hibernian meanwhile are set to host Hearts at Easter Road in an Edinburgh derby on Saturday (1 March).