Stuart Kettlewell Addresses Penalty Appeal, VAR Usage, and Team Composure

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell addressed the media in advance of Friday’s Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock at home. The main points from his statements are as follows: Kettlewell reported having a “really good conversation” with Willie Collum, the Scottish FA’s head of referees, regarding multiple decisions made during Saturday’s 4-3 victory against Dundee United. The Motherwell manager expressed his view that a challenge on Steve Seddon within the United penalty area, which occurred when his team was leading 3-1, constituted “as clear a penalty as you’re going to see”. He further stated that while the details of his discussion with Collum would “stay in house,” both individuals “see the incidents the same way,” implying that Collum concurred that Motherwell should have been awarded a penalty for the foul committed by Luca Stephenson. Regarding the implementation of VAR in Scotland, Kettlewell commented that the season “started well” but that its performance has “not been great” in recent times. Nevertheless, he noted that “communication has drastically improved”. Following a series of three consecutive defeats, which his team countered with two successive victories, the Fir Park manager indicated that his squad would avoid becoming “too high or low”. He elaborated: “You’re one game away from being the worst team and worst manager or two wins away from being the best.” Kettlewell is preparing his team to compete against Kilmarnock, a side he considers “a really good team at this level”. He also expressed that Friday night matches possess “a more special feel”. Tony Watt, who was ineligible for Saturday’s match against United, is the sole player rejoining the squad for the upcoming Kilmarnock fixture.