KMI Panel Rules VAR Should Have Stayed Out of Nico Raskin’s “Ghost Goal”
In a decision that’s stirred debate across Scottish football, the Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has concluded that VAR should not have intervened in the controversial disallowed goal scored by Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, dubbed by fans as the “ghost goal.” The incident occurred during Rangers’ recent Premiership fixture, reigniting questions over the consistency and application of video technology in the Scottish game.
Raskin appeared to have bundled the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble late in the first half. Initially, the on-field officials awarded the goal. However, after a lengthy VAR review, referee David Munro was advised to consult the pitchside monitor, ultimately leading to the goal being chalked off on the grounds of a perceived foul in the buildup.
The KMI Panel, which reviews contentious incidents in Scottish football, determined that the decision to overturn the goal was incorrect and that the Video Assistant Referee had overstepped its remit. In its official report, the panel stated: “The on-field decision to award the goal should have stood. There was no clear and obvious error evident, and therefore VAR intervention was unwarranted.”
This ruling has sparked renewed criticism of VAR’s influence in Scottish football. Supporters of Rangers have expressed frustration, arguing that such interventions are undermining the authority of referees and affecting the integrity of the competition. The club itself has yet to release an official statement but is believed to be seeking clarification from the Scottish FA.
Former referees have weighed in as well, with some defending the original decision on the pitch. “Referees are trained to judge these chaotic situations in real time,” said former FIFA official Steve Conroy. “If there’s no glaring mistake, VAR should not be stepping in to re-referee the match.”
The decision also has potential ramifications in the title race, with Rangers locked in a tight battle at the top of the table. Dropping points in a match where a legitimate goal was disallowed could prove costly.
As the debate continues, the KMI Panel’s conclusion highlights the need for a more consistent and restrained approach to VAR usage in Scotland. With fan confidence wavering, the SFA may now be under pressure to review how and when VAR is applied, particularly in key matches that could determine the fate of the Premiership title.