Vicko Sevelj: In Croatia you would go to prison for that tackle!

A week has passed since the Dundee United midfielder was left black-and-blue by the flying studs of Kilmarnock winger Danny Armstrong.

The SFA’s Key Match Incident panel have since dismissed the suggestion a red card should have been recommended, backing the officials by a margin of 5-0. No reasoning was offered with the verdict.

Sevelj touches the injured area, but still feels a minor discomfort around his knee (“it’s a little bit sore”), prompting him to take the final word on an occurrence that could have resulted in a broken leg.

“I have a mark from my ankle to my hip and there should have been a punishment for it,” replied Sevelj. “I couldn’t believe he (referee Steven McLean) didn’t pause the game and let Kilmarnock counterattack.

“The referee was in my path when I attempted to get the ball, thus it was a terrible challenge. I could’ve easily departed with a broken leg.

“When I felt the tackle, I was concerned that it was a serious injury because the impact went from my ankle all the way up my leg.” I have a lot of bruises there. My leg was completely purple! I’m pleased I didn’t have any significant complications.

“I said to the referee, “Did you not see anything? “You’re so close.” But I can’t say anything; he’s in charge. “I would only book myself.”

The disputed challenge on Sevelj first went unnoticed, with VAR Alan Muir opting not to refer whistleblower McLean, who had a clear view of the incident, to the monitor for a second look.

It was also not discussed on any highlight shows, in stark contrast to all three talking points in United’s victory over St Mirren the week before, which irritated Tannadice insiders.

However, footage has subsequently surfaced online, leaving many observers perplexed that a red card was not requested.

When asked if he had seen the footage, Sevelj replied, “I have. It is even terrible than I remembered! You don’t have time to think about anything during the contest. It occurs, and you go on.

“But I saw it again and thought, “That was very horrible!””

Prior to joining United, Sevelj sought advice from former Radomlje colleague Ester Sokler, currently at Aberdeen. He anticipated aggressiveness and crunching tackles as he transitioned from Croatian and Slovenian technical styles to Scotland’s.

“Yes, but maybe not so much as that,” he laughed. “In Croatia, you would be imprisoned for it! It was not part of the game; it was not fair play.”

Despite scratches and bruises, Sevelj returned to full training on Tuesday and is ready to play Motherwell this afternoon.

That’s good news for the Tangerines, as the dynamic midfielder has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent players in recent weeks, breaking up play, rotating possession, and springing into tackles.