Nick Walsh waved away frantic Celtic appeals for a penalty in the first real VAR flashpoint in the Scottish Cup final.
All eyes turned to the referee after a Kyogo Furuhashi header saw the ball deflect off the arm of Ben Davies in the Rangers box.
A few Celtic players raised their arms in appeals for a penalty but Walsh was unmoved as he signalled for a corner kick.
John Beaton is the main VAR for the final - assisted by David McGeachie - and quickly dismissed the incident as he did not call for a pitchside review.
🗣️'I don't think there's a lot he can do but we've seen them given this season.' Should Celtic have been awarded a penalty for a handball against Ben Davies? Watch live @BBCOne Scotland📺#BBCFootball #ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/ISC34J5yMG
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 25, 2024
While there has been no dispute over the fact the ball struck Davies on the arm in the penalty box, pundits have unanimously ruled out penalty claims.
Alan Hutton, on Premier Sports, stated Davies' arm was in a natural position as he brushed off the appeals.
Michael Stewart agreed with that verdict as he insisted similar incidents have resulted in spot-kicks but backed the 'sensible' decision of referee Walsh and Beaton on VAR.
Commentator Rory Hamilton suggested it has taken time to reach the current position where incidents like the Davies handball claim do not result in penalties as he saluted common sense from officials.
A similar stance was taken by BBC pundits Leeann Crichton and James McFadden.
"Huge calls. We will hopefully get a better look at it. My initial thought was that Ben Davies' arms were by his side...but when you see it there it is perhaps outstretched. Not a lot he can do from that distance."
McFadden added: "It is. I don't think there is a lot he can do but we have seen them given this season. Kyogo flicks it and for me, his arm is in a natural position."
Neil McCann commented: "Celtic fans want a penalty. Kyogo flicks it on but Davies' hands are down by his side. There's no chance that is a penalty."
