If the current Scottish football season was to be depicted in a movie then VAR Wars would surely be a fitting title.
The drama since the introduction of video refs nearly three months ago only relented for the World Cup but the first Old Firm derby since the technology’s arrival was always sure to bring it soaring back with full fury.
Connor Goldson ’s handball - or ball to hand depending on your viewpoint - which wasn’t checked by VAR, Carl Starfelt’s challenge on Fashion Sakala that was given as a penalty, Celtic’s subsequent approach to the SFA over their video assistant concerns and Chris Sutton’s questioning of Willie Collum’s competency to man the controls all had Hotline callers storming the phonelines. Brian Wright, Bannockburn, blasted: “Chris Sutton’s comments about VAR regarding Goldson’s ‘deliberate hand ball’ are way off the mark. If he checks the Daily Record photo in Wednesday’s paper he would see Goldson is not deliberately using a hand to stop a Starfelt shot at goal. There is very little distance between both players. If the incident is flipped, I’m sure he would be saying ‘never a penalty’.”
Steve Macleod, Wokingham, said: “Rangers get their first Old Firm league penalty in 12 years and the ref correctly denies Celtic one. Yet we are three days on and the meltdown continues. Will Celtic only be happy if they let Sutton and Hartson, neither familiar with the rules, officiate for them?”
Alan Flett emailed: “I’m sick of Celtic whingeing about every little thing that doesn’t go their way. For years the SFA have been bending over backwards to help Celtic but there’s just no pleasing them. Given the financial gulf that exists between Celtic and the rest, they should be out of sight. They’re only tearing up the SPL because they play against poor opposition every week. As soon as they play even a half decent side, their limitations are exposed.”
But George Fairgrieve emailed: “Only the SPFL could complicate simplicity. VAR was supposed to make an official’s job easier. Goldson’s handball is a penalty in any other league while the Rangers player stood on the Celtic player’s foot and won a penalty.”
Robert Brown, Bellshill, said: “I didn’t see Celtic running to the SFA when three Celtic players were miles offside for their winner in the 2019 League Cup Final. There might have been no VAR at the time but it could have been visible from the moon. I suggest Monday’s penalty wasn’t given because the ball was going to hit Goldson in the face and it was a natural reaction to protect his face.”
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “It would be interesting to see how many referrals to VAR have been upheld in favour of Celtic and of Rangers. Presumably there are statistics available on that score. In the Old Firm game, you have to ask why the Starfelt tackle on Sakala was judged to be a penalty while Goldson's two-handed diversion of the ball in his penalty area was declared a non-offence. Be that as it may, no doubt Rangers were the better team on the day.”
Finally, the Hotline’s resident doc reckons he’s got the cure to the handball headache.
Dr Robert Pender emailed: “Just make it simple, if you push your hand out to purposefully to stop the ball then it’s a penalty. It is crazy players trying to run in the box with hands behind their backs to avoid ball striking their arms.”
On to the actual title race and Andy Logan, Livingston, said: “Prior to the derby on Monday, the Rangers manager stated they had to win all remaining games to have a chance of the league, they didn’t but their support think Celtic are running scared! They’ve beaten four teams who have won one game between them in their last 20 combined. Reality check or usual short term memory?”
And Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, added: “When Rangers come to a modern stadium like Celtic Park they will freeze in the special atmosphere that they’re simply not used to. The league title will be decided at the next meeting in Paradise and Celtic will be the victors.”
