What Kevin Clancy told referee over Hearts red card at Dundee as VAR process branded 'chaotic'
Hearts have been reduced to 10 men at Dundee after goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow’s dismissal.
The process for why Alexander Schwolow was sent off for Hearts at Dundee has been explained - after a Jambos hero was left confused over the VAR process.
Claudio Braga put the Premiership leaders ahead at Dens Park but a lengthy process involving VAR official Kevin Clancy added several minutes onto the first half. Tony Yogane was deemed offside as he looked to break through on the Hearts goal but the offside flag was thrown up, but a drawing of the lines showed that the Dundee forward was actually onside.
That put goalkeeper Schwolow in jeopardy of a red card due to the denial of a goalscoring opportunity due to his foe now being offside. It was a call that sparked some confusion but what Clancy communicated to referee Ryan Lee has been shared by Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver. It forced Hearts into a tactical reshuffle with Braga subbed for goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender Michael Steinwender appeared off the bench at half-time in place of attack-minded full-back Jordi Altena.
Why was Alexander Schwolow sent off during Dundee vs Hearts?
Weaver said: “If he is deemed offside, it negates everything following it. Kevin Clancy is at the controls of VAR and he is in conversation with Ryan Lee, and Ryan Lee is being told to come across to the screen as the original offside they checked, it was onside and that is what is being communicated to Ryan Lee by Kevin Clancy. He’s been told to come across to the VAR screen as they checked the lines and he was onside, so what happens afterwards now stands.”
He added: “Because VAR checked and saw it was onside, what happened because it’s a red card incident could be checked, and Alexander Schwolow is dismissed.”
Celtic favourite Chris Sutton branded it the correct call and Rangers hero Kris Boyd added at half-time: “I know VAR has been criticised in Scotland but I think it’s brilliant from VAR. It’s really tight and it’s the correct decision.”
Ryan McGowan on Hearts red card
2012 Scottish Cup-winning Hearts hero Ryan McGowan admitted the process to getting to the decision was one that raised his eyebrows: “I am not sure if the referee gave a foul for the goalkeeper outside the box.
“I don’t know what happens if it shows he’s then onside. I am not sure what would be going through his mind just now. Because he didn’t give a foul or indication to what he thought would happen at this moment, he’s now looking at it and VAR is asking him what he thinks.
“At this moment (Schwolow tackle on Yogane), he thinks is offside, he’s not made the decision. I did find it strange he didn’t give anything and the flag was just put up. It’s made Hearts’ game more difficult but it was all a bit chaotic with the referee and VAR process.”