The SFA’s KMI panel has adjudicated the big calls in the recent Falkirk vs Rangers clash, confirming that the match officials got it right.
In their review of the incidents over the weekend of 11-12 April, the Key Match Incident (KMI) panel confirmed that Tochi Chukwuani’s goal was correctly awarded.
Despite Falkirk’s protests that the ball had drifted out of play during Nico Raskin’s high, swirling cross, the panel ruled 3-0 that the ball remained in play before Chukwuani’s finish.
It was that strike that totally changed the flow of the game. Rangers went into the half-time break with a lifeline at 2-1, instead of staring down the barrel at 2-0 and cut adrift.
The Gers’ rousing second-half performance took care of the rest.
KMI Panel reviews Falkirk vs. Rangers talking points
Additionally, the KMI panel unanimously backed two other major calls in the game.
They were the decision not to send off Jayden Meghoma for a foul on Calvin Miller, and the subsequent penalty awarded to Falkirk.
Both appeared obvious calls at the time, and that has been upheld.
Miller’s ‘chance’ was never a case of denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO), with futile comparisons made with other recent incidents in the SPFL Premiership.
As for the penalty to Falkirk, there was no doubt about it. The KMI panel subsequently agreed.
James Tavernier got himself on the wrong side, then there was contact between his legs and the Bairns’ attacker, as well as a tug on the shoulder.
As it was, the only real drama turned out to be the excellent recovery from Rangers to win the game 6-3.
That’s the way it should be, but given we are talking about Scottish football and VAR, it won’t be the last we hear about the KMI panel.
Next up for Rangers is the first of the final five post-split games when Motherwell come to Ibrox on Sunday.
