St Mirren Suffer Double Jeopardy: Olusanya Red Card Wrongly Awarded

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Post on Mar 30, 2025

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St Mirren Suffer Double Jeopardy: Olusanya Red Card Wrongly Awarded

St Mirren's defeat to Celtic was compounded by a controversial red card shown to midfielder, Jonah Olusanya, sparking outrage amongst fans and pundits alike. The Paisley side suffered a 2-0 loss at Celtic Park, but the injustice of the sending-off overshadowed the final scoreline, leaving a bitter taste for manager Stephen Robinson and the St Mirren faithful.

The incident, which occurred in the 67th minute, saw Olusanya adjudged to have committed a reckless challenge on Celtic's Matt O'Riley. Referee Willie Collum, however, pointed to the spot and issued a straight red card, a decision that has been widely condemned as erroneous. Replays clearly show minimal contact, with Olusanya making a fair attempt to win the ball. The subsequent penalty, converted by Kyogo Furuhashi, effectively sealed the victory for the Hoops.

A Controversial Decision with Far-Reaching Consequences

The red card not only shifted the momentum of the game decisively in Celtic's favour but also significantly impacts St Mirren's upcoming fixtures. Olusanya, a key player in Robinson's midfield, will now serve a suspension, depriving the Saints of a vital component of their team. This double jeopardy – a loss compounded by an unfair dismissal – has left St Mirren facing a challenging period.

Stephen Robinson expressed his disappointment post-match, stating: "It's a scandalous decision. I've watched it back several times, and there's simply no contact worthy of a red card. It's incredibly frustrating to see such a crucial moment of the game decided on such a poor decision. The referee has cost us dearly.”

Calls for VAR in Scottish Football Intensify

The incident has reignited the debate surrounding the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Scottish Premiership. Many believe that VAR could have prevented such a blatant miscarriage of justice, ensuring fairer outcomes and reducing the impact of refereeing errors. The Olusanya incident serves as a stark example of the potential consequences of relying solely on on-field officials in high-stakes matches.

• Key arguments for VAR in the SPL:
  • Reduced refereeing errors.
  • Increased fairness and consistency in decision-making.
  • Protection of players from unjust sanctions.
  • Enhanced fan experience and trust in the officiating process.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has faced ongoing pressure to implement VAR, and the Olusanya red card will undoubtedly fuel this debate further. The call for greater transparency and accountability in refereeing decisions is growing louder, with many believing that VAR is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the future of Scottish football.

Looking Ahead for St Mirren

Despite the setback, St Mirren remain determined to fight for points in their upcoming matches. The squad will rally around their manager and prepare for the challenge ahead. While the Olusanya suspension represents a significant blow, the team's resilience and determination will be tested in the coming weeks.

The impact of this controversial decision will be felt not just on the pitch but also off it, as St Mirren and their supporters will be pushing for an explanation and potentially an appeal from the SFA. The question remains: will this incident finally push Scottish football towards adopting VAR? Only time will tell.