Derek McInnes slams Kilmarnock VAR raw deal in Copenhagen after David Watson penalised by 'huge decision'

Derek McInnes insists Kilmarnock received a raw deal after VAR left the Rugby Park men with a battle to continue their European adventure.

McInnes’ side heroically hung tough for 77 minutes in Copenhagen – but a brutal VAR call gave the Danes an advantage. And the agony was piled on when the hosts struck with the last kick of the ball to leave Killie facing an uphill task in the Europa Conference play-off second leg on Scotland. The spot-kick call to penalise David Watson after a clash with ex-Celtic star Mohamed Elyounoussi was a bitter blow.

McInnes said: “I didn't think there was any real drama for us – but the drama comes from the refereeing decision. There was no impact on any of the play. One player has a wee half-right appeal. It was such a big decision to make. It was a huge decision. I don't think it's a clear and obvious error.

“I thought it was really surprising. I don't know what he was getting called over for. I think everybody in the stadium was the same. You always fear the worst in these instances.

“I thought we were good in the game. I knew we couldn't come here and be open and carry the game to them and take the game to them in a place like this. I thought we were in good shape.

“The boys did their task well. A few shots and a few set plays to deal with, I thought we were actually all right in the game.”

McInnes would have taken a one goal deficit back to Scotland – but the second in the dying seconds was another savage kick in the teeth after Killie were punished for failing to clear from a late corner.

McInnes said: “It was just about 1-0 going back to Rugby Park, but unfortunately for us it's a bigger task now. I was proud of a lot of the effort but at this level you need to keep the concentration,