McInnes Slams 'Horrendous' Refereeing Decision as Kilmarnock Suffer Late Defeat

Derek McInnes has expressed his frustration with what he deemed a "horrendous" refereeing decision as Kilmarnock fell to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their Conference League play-off against FC Copenhagen.

Kilmarnock had held their own for most of the match until a controversial VAR intervention led to a penalty in the 75th minute. David Watson was adjudged to have fouled former Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi, a decision that McInnes believes was harsh and unwarranted.

“It’s extremely harsh,” McInnes told BBC Sport Scotland. “I don’t think it’s a clear and obvious error. It floored us a wee bit. For all the effort, work, and organization, to lose a goal to that is extremely harsh.”

Kevin Diks converted the penalty to give Copenhagen the lead, and Rasmus Falk compounded Kilmarnock’s misery with a last-minute goal, sealing a 2-0 win for the Danish side.

McInnes' remarks reflect the disbelief among the Kilmarnock camp, who felt aggrieved by the decision. The team, having put in a spirited performance, now face an uphill battle ahead of the second leg at Rugby Park next Thursday.

Despite Copenhagen’s dominance in the second half, Kilmarnock had managed to contain the home side for significant periods, limiting them to long-range shots. Kieran O’Hara, deputizing in goal, had only been seriously tested once by a shot from Copenhagen defender Denis Vavro.

Kilmarnock's best opportunity came in the first half when Brad Lyons’ flick was nearly converted by Marley Watkins, but Nathan Trott made a crucial save. The visitors' resilience was finally broken by the penalty, and with Copenhagen’s second goal coming in stoppage time, the task of overturning the deficit has become even more daunting.

The late goal by Falk, a shot that found the top corner after a corner was cleared, was a bitter blow for a team that had worked hard to keep the tie level.

Kilmarnock will need to mount a significant comeback in the return leg to extend their European adventure.