Aberdeen Boss Robinson Frustrated by VAR Call in Rangers Defeat

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson was left frustrated by refereeing decisions during his team's 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Pittodrie. Referee Matthew MacDermid booked nine players, but it was the decision to rule out Kevin Nisbet's goal on 83 minutes for a push on Rangers defender Dujon Sterling while heading the ball towards goal that really irked Aberdeen. MacDermid was asked to review the incident by VAR Andrew Dallas and he deemed that two hands Nisbet put on Sterling's back was sufficient enough to chalk off the goal.

There was also a penalty claim by Aberdeen two minutes earlier when Sterling and Nisbet tangled at the back post, but MacDermid was unmoved and there was no intervention from Dallas. Robinson had to hold his tongue somewhat in the post-match interview when asked about both incidents. "If I could give my thoughts, but the authorities make sure we don't give our thoughts, Robinson said.

"You all saw the game and the only thing I can comment on is I don't know who judges the amount of force. There wasn't enough for Kevin to get a penalty and there was enough to disallow the goal. Someone has made that decision rightly or wrongly and it certainly affects the game.

They seemed quite similar to me but I'm not a referee. I can only control the things that I can in terms of our performance. There were lots of good stuff with battling qualities and real desire and determination.

Asked if he spoke with MacDermid afterwards, Robinson said: "No. I don't go anywhere the man. I want to be in the dugout and want to help the players and the staff and the players. Nine yellow cards appeared excessive for what was competitive but hardly unruly affair.

Robinson preferred to focus on the performance of his players." "I don't need to say too much on that, the manager continued. "It is very, very frustrating but I can't control that. I can only help us defend better in front of goal and maybe we are not talking so much about officials.

That is the bit I have to take responsibility for. There was a lot of good in the game, energy and play. We didn't control the game as much as we set out to in the first half and had a poor decision defensively.

We should have cleared the ball as our shape behind the ball wasn't good enough. We responded well and the subs who came on were very good. Ultimately we didnt get a result but there were good bits as well which probably wont be remembered.

In football you have two choices. You can feel sorry for yourself, blame everyone else or look at what you can do better. That is certainly what we will do as players and staff. Aberdeen are not expecting to be especially active in terms of incomings during the final days of the transfer window.