Ex-FIFA ref hails Willie Collum actions over Dundee United vs Hibernian incident
02/28/2025 01:40 PM
Willie Collum’s response to the controversy over a disallowed goal for Dundee United in their defeat to Hibernian has drawn high praise from Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the “transparency” shown by Scottish referees chief Collum over the incident is important for the relationship between clubs and officials.
Collum has dealt with numerous VAR controversies in Scotland this season, the latest of which occurred at Tannadice Park on Wednesday night (26 February).
Sam Dalby thought he had put the hosts 2-1 up on Hibernian when he headed in a free-kick from close range in that game.
VAR Mathew MacDermid though checked first for offside and then handball, Dundee United controversially saw that goal ruled out for the latter offence, despite replays indicating neither had taken place.
Willie Collum responds to Dundee United fury
Two late goals from Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett then went on to give Hibernian a 3-1 win in that match, damaging their opponents hopes of a European place this season.
| Scottish Premiership position | Played | Points |
| 3. Aberdeen | 28 | 41 |
| 4. Hibernian | 28 | 40 |
| 5. Dundee United | 28 | 40 |
| 6. Hearts | 28 | 36 |
Dundee United were therefore not surprisingly unhappy with Dalby’s goal being disallowed, leading them to contact the Scottish FA over the incident, as per the Daily Record.
It is thought that at the club’s request they were provided footage and audio from VAR of the disallowed goal, with Collum understood to have admitted that the goal should not have been ruled out.
Hackett now believes that the Scottish refereeing chief has done the right thing by responding to those queries from Dundee United in such a way.
Keith Hackett hails Willie Collum over disallowed goal admission
Speaking to Football Insider about Collum’s reported response to the incident, the former referee said:
“I congratulate the referees boss in Scotland, Willie Collum, for supplying the video and audio and discussing with the club the decision making process.
“The transparency is important to maintain the trust of clubs and for Collum to recognise an error and the action he is taking with the officials involved.
“Players make mistakes and so do match officials. Willie Collum, who is extremely experienced, will now offer the appropriate operational advice.”
Dundee United return to action this weekend with a trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on Sunday (2 March) while Hibernian host Hearts in the Edinburgh derby the day before.
The post Ex-FIFA ref hails Willie Collum actions over Dundee United vs Hibernian incident appeared first on Football Insider.
