Willie Collum: Jack Milne Deserved Red Card for Tynecastle Challenge

Willie Collum, the Scottish FA’s head of referee operations, has stated that Aberdeen defender Jack Milne ought to have been dismissed for his challenge on Hearts midfielder Beni Baningime during their 1-1 draw on 1 December. The incident occurred at Tynecastle when Milne made a lunge for the ball, connecting with Baningime’s ankle; however, no foul was called by the referee at the time. Speaking on the Scottish FA’s VAR Review show, Collum remarked, “The player’s stretching for the ball, the is a buckle in the ankle, so we would much prefer an on-field review to recommend a red card for serious foul play.” He further explained the VAR’s role, stating, “There was no foul awarded here. The fact it’s a missed incident allows even more of an opportunity for the VAR to go into that check. There was more scope to bring the referee to the monitor. ” Collum concluded by outlining future expectations for such incidents: “For us moving forward, in this challenge, we expect a red card given on field. If missed, an on-field review to recommend a red card for serious foul play.”