St Johnstone came from behind to beat Hibernian at Easter Road as VAR enjoyed a controversy-free introduction to the Scottish Premiership.
Third-placed Hibs took the lead through Mykola Kokharevic’s 35th-minute header, but the game changed with a red card for home midfielder Kyle Magness with 22 minutes remaining.
Nicky Clarke equalized for St Johnstone within three minutes of Magness’ departure and half-time substitute Stevie May nodded the winner.
The victory moves St Johnstone four points clear of the bottom three, while Hibs remain a point clear of Aberdeen and St Mirren but have now played two more games.
Hibs got off to a flying start as they looked to respond to last weekend’s 6-1 defeat by Celtic, inspired by their first capacity crowd in perhaps 33 years for this historic Scottish football match.
St Johnstone were exposed at the near post twice in a matter of seconds as Andrew Considine was blocked by Martin Boyle and on-loan Trice striker Kochrevic should have done better to fire straight past goalkeeper Remy Matthews from 10 yards. .
It took just eight minutes for VAR to come into play as Willie Collum’s quick check at Clydesdale House upheld referee Kevin Clancy’s decision to show Boyle a yellow card for simulation after a challenge on Alex Mitchell.
St Johnstone countered that early pressure, but just as they were restricting Hibs to long-range efforts, Kukharevych rose above Liam Gordon to powerfully head home a Chris Caden cross from 12 yards. happened
May’s half-time introduction gave St Johnstone more zip at the break, but Hibs remained the more dangerous until Magness spoiled an otherwise impressive first start since August 2021 after injury. Jamie Murphy faced the challenge to pick up a second yellow. Card
Down to 10 men, Hibs soon conceded when Clarke headed over the top to Ryan Porteous and – despite a hint of push on the back of the home centre-back – the goal was to stand.
Porteous was beaten again soon after when May met a cross at the back post from former Hibs midfielder Melker Halberg.
There was still time for further VAR work as Jair Tavares and Boyle both went into the box, but the officials were spared a decision on whether to award the former a penalty for offside.
