Scottish football has finally caught up with the modern world by rolling out VAR but the ancient conspiracy theories are still in place. Celtic might have won at Tynecastle but fans are still raging about some of the calls.
Brian McColligan , via email, said: “Now I know what VAR stands for – Video Assisting Rangers. One game in, Rangers one decision for, none against, but Celtic no decisions for, five against.” Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “The handball was a stonewall penalty. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t given till you see a stat that Celtic have not had a penalty in any competition since April, which tells you a lot. And Rangers fans think we get all the decisions.”
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge , said: “Despite all the training, all the expense and all the fanfare, the only person on the planet who didn’t think Celtic should have had a penalty on Saturday was the aforementioned highly trained Grade one official. Individuals are still making grade one howlers, even with the extra help.”
Malcolm Nimmo , via email, said: “The decision making at Tynecastle was verging on ridiculous. Hearts probably deserved their penalties but the decision not to award Celtic a penalty for a blatant handball is criminal. VAR is fine. It's the people making the decisions that are getting it all wrong. I thought VAR was meant to cut out these dubious decisions, not make them more blatant.”
Bill Lockerbie Northampton, said: “Months ago I said that despite having three referees on or at the side of the pitch, decisions will be made by similarly amateur human beings obviously out of their depth but out of sight. I told you so, comes to mind. There's much worse to come, that's for sure.”
But Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “I see the usual Celtic moon howlers are all on side together putting pressure on referees and claiming VAR is against Celtic after week one. No mention of conceding penalties and not getting bookings especially when Jenz was already on a yellow card VAR won’t stop officials being terrified of sending Celtic players off as Saturday proved.”
The heat is on Gers boss Gio van Bronckhorst and Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: “Time is fast running out for Gio. Even allowing for injuries there is no consistency in team selection, there is a lack of understanding of some of the game changes he makes.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill , said: “There was a minute's silence held before kick-off for Ibrox great Jimmy Miller who recently passed away. After kickoff the Rangers team decided to lengthen the silence for another 90 minutes. They were not good enough and not playing for the famous jersey. Van Bronckhorst must get something going very very quickly to save his own job.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “Livingston was an absolute nightmare. No passion anymore or drive to win games. Just can’t believe they were in an Europa final five months ago. We have been an embarrassment for the last few games and I fear what the score will be in Napoli.”
While Paul McArdle, Gourock, said: “Dave King said once Rangers won their first title ‘they’ would fold like a pack of cards. Nobody realised he was still talking about Rangers.”
But Dr Robert S Pender, via email, said: “You can blame the manager for the performance but the players should hold their hands up. No fight, too much money, the captain is too secure. Aston Villa dropped their captain and they won 4-0. It woke up the rest of the side.”
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