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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Alex Iacovitti Celtic penalty call sparks Kris Boyd VAR meltdown as Rangers hero calls out 'shambles'

Referee Willie Collum's decision to award a penalty for Celtic against Ross County has been branded "ridiculous" by fuming pundits.

Staggies' star Alex Iacovitti was punished for a handball just for the break during the Scottish Premiership clash as the County captain challenged Cameron Carter-Vickers for the ball as a corner was whipped in, and while whistler Collum initially waved play on he was sent to the monitor by Steven Kirkland in the VAR room. That allowed Jota to step up and score the opener at Dingwall for Ange Postecoglou's side.

Former Rangers hero Kris Boyd was also left frustrated over the decision. He said: 'I am just bemused. When you go back to before the international break Andy Considine's handball against Kilmarnock, which is clearer than that, and you can't give it.

"We were all for VAR coming in to start with you have got to be honest it has been a shambles. The inconsistency with the whole thing is why people are still speaking about if for the wrong reasons.

"You look at the one against Kilmarnock that wasn't given and the one today...you just don't know what you are turning up to do you. It's the inconsistency. Some referees will give it, and some won't.

"That's why I'm glad I'm sitting here and I'm not a manager. When you look at some of the decisions that have been given you would be going off your head wouldn't you?" Boyd later appeared to have a dig at Celtic fans, adding: "I'm sure there won't be any complaints about referees this weekend anyway."

On commentary for Sky Sports, Andy Walker initially slammed the decision: "Does that hit Iacovitti's hand, or does it hit Carter-Vickers shoulder? It looks like a shoulder to me. It's a ridiculous decision to give it."

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