I suggested here, a few weeks back, that the introduction of VAR would likely see some spectacular, car-crash early decisions.
We’ll never know if Tony Watt staying on the pitch against Motherwell would’ve seen a positive result for Dundee United.
But it’s fair to speculate that his sending off in the 40th minute, after referee John Beaton consulted VAR, despite being only yards away from the original incident and seeing nothing wrong with it at the time, had a detrimental impact on United’s chances.
I had a long blether with Tangerines owner Mark Ogren last Sunday.
Like most fans, he was mystified by the red card.
The American has been a fine custodian, with his unstinting financial backing of the Tannadice club.
His pockets aren’t bottomless though.
Come the end of the season, that defeat to Motherwell could be the difference between United staying in the Premiership and being relegated to the Championship, with all the dramatic economic impact that entails.
VAR was supposed to bring more certainty to officials’ decision making.
The Tony Watt cock-up proves clearly that the system is fallible.
We can expect more major clangers before the end of the season.
With Dundee FC’s plans for a new stadium, the last thing they need is to be marooned in the Championship next season.
One win in their last six outings isn’t inspiring fans, who are growing restless.
Dark Blues supporters are facing up to the same hard facts as their Tannadice rivals; that a squad which, on paper, looks decent, just isn’t cutting it.
Gary Bowyer’s side must ensure this weekend that Partick Thistle’s grim form of 15 goals lost in four matches continues.
Dundee must be ruthlessly committed, with no repeat of the Dens debacle in July when they were 3-0 down against Thistle before Cammy Kerr and Tyler French goals gave them a gloss of respectability in a 3-2 defeat.
There comes a time when talking the talk has to be replaced by walking the walk.
Dundee need to start that winning journey at Firhill or risk being left behind in the title race.
Conversation