Liam Fox insists the VAR-led dismissal of Tony Watt was “contentious” after viewing additional footage of his challenge on Motherwell midfielder Sean Goss.
The Dundee United head coach described referee John Beaton’s decision to give Watt his marching orders as “a very big moment” in United’s 1-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon.
The former Fir Park forward made a high challenge on Goss just before half-time, prompting VAR David Munro to call Beaton over to the pitch-side monitor.
Fox acknowledged that from some angles it did look like a red card but suggested that Watt could be exonerated by other video sources.
United can appeal the decision ahead of next week’s visit to Celtic, should they wish.
“That was a very big moment in the game,” said Fox. “Having seen the footage that the referee (Beaton) and VAR saw, I could probably say it was a red card.
“But I have also seen other footage from different sources that maybe casts a bit of doubt over it.
“So it is a bit of a contentious issue. I can sit here and mump, moan and complain about it but it HAS had a big impact.
“I am frustrated at that, and I’m frustrated that we started the game well and then had a spell where we lost our way — and then lost the player.”
No hiding place
Asked to expand on the nature of the club’s footage, Fox added: “It was a different angle and I see Tony Watt pulling his leg back. There is very, very little contact with the player.”
Meanwhile, Fox acknowledged that there is “no hiding place” following a fourth successive goal conceded via an unchecked cross from wide and a header.
Sondre Solholm nodded home a Blair Spittal delivery, creating a miserable sense of deja vu after two efforts against St Mirren last week and Dan Armstrong’s winner for Kilmarnock were all scored in the same manner.
“Of course that is frustration — of course it is,” continued Fox. “That’s up to me to fix, to get back on the training pitch and work at it.
“There’s no hiding place and it’s my responsibility to work with the players.”
Despite slipping to the foot of the Premiership, pending Ross County’s result against Hearts on Sunday, Fox was far from downbeat, adding: “I thought the attitude, application and bravery in the second half was really good.
“If I get that consistently, we’ll be fine.”
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