‘VAR should have…’ – Fresh SFA update emerges

VAR should have recommended an on-field penalty review for a handball in the recent clash between Rangers and Celtic.

That is according to the Scottish FA’s VAR independent review panel, which is made up of former players, managers and coaches, as reported by BBC Sport.

The panel did, however, note that there was an offside in the build-up, so the decision should have remained to not award a penalty.

Rangers still angered by Celtic incident

The handball controversy from the Scottish Premiership meeting between the Gers and the Bhoys has been going on for some time, with the match taking place way back in December.

As per Sky Sports (4 January), the SFA explained that they were disappointed with the Ibrox club after the latter requested VAR audio surrounding the incident.

The incident in question is, of course, the appeal for a handball from Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, which was reviewed by VAR Willie Collum at the time.

Collum agreed with referee Nick Walsh’s decision not to give a penalty at Celtic Park, with the hosts going on to win the match 2-1.

To complicate matters, Gers attacker Abdallah Sima was offside in the build-up to the incident, which is still being felt by many at Ibrox.

The saga has been handed a fresh twist with this SFA panel revelation, and it could really end in animosity if that clash has a crucial say in the final league table, with the Glasgow giants currently neck and neck.