By Craig Swan

Copyright dailyrecord

Robbie Deas was raging to see a point against Celtic ripped away by VAR. But the Kilmarnock star isn’t screaming for the monitors to be torn out of grounds. And the defender hopes the sense of injustice around Rugby Park can help fuel the squad’s bid for a return to Hampden. Deas was left devastated when VAR Matthew MacDermid and ref John Beaton decided to award the champions an injury-time spot-kick after his blocking of a James Forrest shot deflected on to the arm of team-mates Lewis Mayo at close range. Killie could only watch in disgust as the penalty was converted with manager Stuart Kettlewell seething afterwards. Deas was unison with his boss and said: “It’s a big sickener. I’ve seen it back, I don’t understand how it’s been given. “I’ve blocked the shot away from goal and Mayo’s not even half a yard away from me. “I’m a bit speechless, I’m raging inside but these are the things unfortunately in football just now, so I can’t say too much. “It’s frustrating, especially for myself as a defender. Look, I know they’re trying to make it more interesting. “They’ve brought VAR but it’s just a sickener for us, especially in the manner. “We actually looked like the team that was going to go on and win the game and then to go and lose the game in that sort of manner is just a sickener. “I’m raging, the boys are gutted. I don’t think we deserved to lose the game, so it’s just disappointing it took something like that to lose it. “Look, I grew up watching football and there’s a lot of changes from when I was young, I know they’re trying to make it better but it’s difficult. “I feel like it’s supposed to be entertaining but you’re scoring a goal and having to wait for VAR, or it’s a penalty call for nothing these days. It’s been given, it is what it is. “But it kind of takes away the edge of football and being fans watching the game and it’s frustrating as players as well. But I understand why they’re just trying to make it better and try to cut out these mistakes.” On that note, Deas took a philosophical stance when asked if he’d bin VAR given the choice as he added: “I don’t know if I’d scrap it because, don’t get me wrong, it’s been in our favour this season as well. “But I just wish it wasn’t so involved as it is, I feel like any small thing, it gets involved. But, look, it’s not my expertise. The referees, it’s their job, so look it’s not really my place to say.” Despite the disappointment at the outcome, Killie competed superbly with the Hoops and the frustration of the loss just adds motivation and belief ahead of Friday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against St Mirren. Deas and his team can seal a return to the National Stadium and he said: “We looked like the team towards the end that was maybe going to go and nick it and we should take so much from the game. “We should take so many positives and we’ve got a quarter-final to look forward to. “The fans were brilliant, hopefully they can get behind us on Friday again and we’re in a place now where we’ve got a chance to get the club to Hampden.”