MICHAEL CARRICK is adamant Graham Scott got last night’s crucial penalty decision in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 defeat at Luton Town wrong – and has suggested he might have erred because he is used to having the safety net of VAR.

Scott awarded Luton a second-half penalty despite Zack Steffen pulling out of his challenge on Carlton Morris and appearing to fail to make any contact with the Hatters striker.

Morris stepped up to score the winning goal from the spot, leaving Carrick frustrated despite the result not really having an impact on Boro’s season.

Scott generally referees in the Premier League, where VAR would check any penalty decision and potentially invite the on-pitch referee to check his call if they felt he had made an error.

In the Championship, the on-field decision stands regardless, something Carrick thinks needs to be at the forefront of a referee’s mind if he spends most of his time officiating in the top-flight.

The Boro boss said: “It's a bad decision. In the circumstances, we can laugh it off today in some ways. But I do wonder with referees from the Premier League, maybe they're so used to VAR that it gives them a lot of insurance.

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“This isn't something aimed particularly at the referee tonight, but in general, it might be something to look at.

“Tonight didn't count for too much really, but that could be a crucial decision at some point. Whether it's this season or next, it is very different for referees if they're coming down and they haven't got that security for the big, big decisions.

“But, as I say, I'm not moaning about tonight because it is what it is. It was never a penalty, of course it wasn't. But maybe that is something to think about moving forward.”