The latest Scottish FA Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel findings are out, and they’ve provided enough fuel to keep Glasgow’s title debate burning for weeks. While Celtic’s grievances over Auston Trusty were dismissed, Rangers have been told they were denied a massive advantage in their draw with Livingston.
Trusty Red: “Unanimous” Decision
Despite Martin O’Neill’s fury and the “match audio” claims from Parkhead, the panel was 100% in agreement over Auston Trusty’s dismissal against Hibs. The panel praised VAR for intervening after referee Matthew MacDermid initially missed the “lash out” at Jamie McGrath.
The report stated: “The panel unanimously agreed that the on-field decision of no card was incorrect… the decision of red card for violent conduct was correct.”
However, the panel was split on Celtic’s late penalty shout in the same game. While the majority backed the “no penalty” call, one panel member broke ranks, arguing that VAR should have intervened to award the Hoops a spot-kick.
Rangers Denied a Second Red Card
Over at the Set Fare Arena, Rangers fought back for a 2-2 draw, but the KMI panel believes they should have been playing against nine men. Following a VAR check on a challenge by Livingston’s Cammy Kerr on Mikey Moore, no red card was shown because the foul occurred outside the box.
The panel has now ruled this a major blunder, stating unanimously that Kerr should have been sent off for DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity). This decision could have changed the face of the title race as Rangers chased a late winner.
St Mirren Vindicated
In a rare moment of consensus, the panel also ruled that Richard King’s red card for St Mirren was a mistake. Unlike the Trusty incident, the panel slammed VAR for failing to intervene and rescinding the card—a call that has since been corrected on appeal.
🗣️ THE FITBA FOCUS VERDICT: VAR UNDER FIRE
The KMI report proves one thing: even with the screens, Scottish football is struggling for consistency.
- Did the panel get the Trusty call right?
- How much will that missed Livingston red card haunt Rangers come May?
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
