VAR would have given Dundee United 'a fighting chance' against Hibs, says Jamie Robson

Dundee United full-back Jamie Robson has called for the introduction of VAR at the latter stages of cup competitions in Scotland but said that any changes would come too late to salvage this season’s cup dream.

The Tannadice side were left aggrieved after officials allowed a controversial offside goal to stand as Hibs defeated the Tayside team 2-0 on Saturday to book a slot in the Scottish Cup final.

With so much at stake, the 23-year-old wants to follow the example set by England, who started using the video assistant referee technology last season.

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“It would be great to get VAR in, especially at the national stadium for these big games,” said Robson.

Christian Doidge celebrates his controversial goal as Hibs defeated Dundee United and secured a place in the Scottish Cup final. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS GroupChristian Doidge celebrates his controversial goal as Hibs defeated Dundee United and secured a place in the Scottish Cup final. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group
Christian Doidge celebrates his controversial goal as Hibs defeated Dundee United and secured a place in the Scottish Cup final. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

“I know it costs a lot of money but even if they were to bring it in for the semi-finals and finals. These games are televised so surely it can’t be that hard to do.

“I know they have it in England and I don’t think it will be too long before it is introduced in other countries and up here. It will just be too late for us, unfortunately.”

There is growing unrest among players, managers and fans south of the border, who feel the technology is doing more harm than good and several high-profile critics have called on it to be abolished. But Robson says there remains a strong case for it to be introduced to Scottish football.

“It would be a good thing, especially if it was in play on Saturday because it would have kept us in the game. It would have given us a fighting chance. Certainly, if the goal had been given for us I would have classed it as a controversial decision.”

Christian Doidge finished off a slick, penetrating move that also involved Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle but television replays confirmed suspicions that the Welshman was offside much to the chagrin of Robson and his United team-mates.

“I could see right across the line because he was offside on the right hand side. There was no doubt that he was offside. I had my hand up and I was screaming for the offside decision. I was shouting at the referee but he gave the goal and at that point you know he isn’t going to change his mind.

“The offside goal really killed us.”

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