David Gray Expresses Perplexity Over Inconsistent Refereeing Decisions

David Gray voiced his exasperation regarding the inconsistent decisions made during Hibernian’s 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Easter Road, stating, “The thing that’s toughest to take here is the inconsistency.” Hibs appeared poised to break a five-game winless streak, having taken the lead with Lewis Miller’s first-half header. However, Dundee United equalized in the 90th minute when Sam Dalby converted a penalty, awarded after Mykola Kuharevich received a second yellow card for pulling Emmanuel Adegoboyega’s shirt. This penalty decision was made after a VAR review, which prompted referee Colin Steven to consult the pitchside monitor. Even with 10 players, Hibs anticipated an opportunity to regain their lead deep into stoppage time. This expectation arose when VAR examined a potential penalty incident involving United forward Dalby, who seemingly grabbed Warren O’Hora’s shirt. Nevertheless, referee Steven was not instructed to review the monitor on this occasion. Gray commented, “I think if the first one’s a penalty, the second one’s a penalty. If I’m being really honest, I don’t think either of them are penalties. The thing that’s toughest to take here is the inconsistency.” He continued, “Clearly, you always run the risk when you grab a jersey, so I’d never condone it anyway. It’s stupid, it’s unprofessional, it’s lazy defending, but we were told that the player has to be able to effect the ball.” Gray further elaborated, “I don’t think the player can effect the ball at all in the first one. The referee doesn’t give it, then he’s advised to go to the screen, so VAR intervenes and then he doesn’t do it for the second one where O’Hora can actually head the ball.” He expressed his confusion, stating, “You can clearly see the centre-forward’s got his jersey, pulls it up over his back, and he doesn’t give the foul, so I’m a bit confused as to what is and what isn’t, and why he wasn’t asked even just to go over to the monitor.” Gray concluded, “If you’re talking about consistency, he should have at least been asked to go and see it, purely on what he gave the first one for.”