Manager Malky Mackay is seeking an explanation for a goal which was chalked off by VAR after his Ross County side were edged out 2-1 by Hearts as they returned to the bottom of the Premiership.
Lawrence Shankland’s shot and Andy Halliday’s header put Hearts in control after Jordan White had opened the scoring for the Dingwall side.
County pressed for a way back into the contest, but could not find a way through as the Jambos rose to sixth position.
It’s a result which sends the Staggies back to the bottom of the division on goal difference after Dundee United briefly replaced them following their 1-0 defeat against Motherwell on Saturday.
Jordy Hiwula’s goal, when it was 0-0, was checked and ruled as offside by VAR (video assistant referee) on its first use at the Global Energy Stadium.
Mackay admits he needs to be convinced the goal should not have stood.
He said: “I asked for clarity on the disallowed goal because we didn’t know who was offside for that one.
“The clarity we’ve got is that it was Owura Edwards on the far side, which I want them to double check because I have looked at it 10 times and at no point is he within five yards of being offside.
“So whether the officials here have made a mistake, I don’t know.
“VAR have obviously looked for something and found it, I get that, but we would like clarity on what it was.
“It would appear there’s a misunderstanding for that to be offside.
“We scored then had five minutes where we lost two goals – although I have players claiming for two handballs in the build-up.
“Ginnelly’s hand was up and then Kio shoulders it, so we are wondering why something isn’t flagged up there.
“But overall we have to get used to swallowing it – it’s just clarity we are looking for.
“I was down at the VAR centre two weeks ago and spent two hours with (SFA’s head of referee operations) Crawford Allan and his team.
“No matter what this is a good thing for Scottish football and it’s just one of those things.
“I will have a conversation with them tomorrow, purely for clarity, and if they tell me then fair play.”
Players giving all for the cause – boss
Mackay, meanwhile, is confident his side will turn the corner soon, as what he sees is encouraging him.
He added: “I was pleased with the way we played and can’t ask for any more than someone sticking the ball in the net.
“The players are getting it, you can see them coming together.
“We played very well at Rugby Park last week and for long spells were the better team here – but we have to be more clinical.
“I look at that and are we as good as three, four, five other teams in the league? I think we are.”
Neilson happy to leave with the win
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson, meanwhile, was satisfied to get through a testing 90 minutes in the Highlands.
He said: “It is always hard up here. Ross County are a good team. They are having a difficult period. But you know what you’re getting from Malky’s team and last season they kicked on and finished sixth last season.
“They are strong defensively and have good wingers and energy in midfield. I was really pleased to get three points to lift us up the league a wee bit.”
County’s bid to get their season up and running continues on Saturday when fifth-placed St Mirren are the visitors.
Conversation