Shaun Maloney wouldn't be surprised if the Old Firm derby springs up a few contentious VAR decisions but he hopes it won't dictate the game.
Rangers and Celtic are set to do battle at Ibrox on Monday in a highly-anticipated clash between Ange Postecoglou's league leaders and Michael Beale's new Light Blues team. Nine points is the difference between the Glasgow heavyweights in a game that has been dubbed 'win or bust' for new boss Beale.
And while tensions are running high ahead of the big encounter, VAR will be in place for the first time in Old Firm history, with both Rangers and Celtic involved in more than a few dubious calls since the technology's debut in October in Scotland.
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But former Hoops man Maloney is hopeful that VAR doesn't get in the way of the action, yet is forecasting a scenario where a penalty or handball call could become the centre of attention. He told PLZ Soccer's Football Show: "It's the same in other countries when there's big rivalries. Every team will think the guy in the VAR room is against you.
"There's going to be moments in the game, offside, hopefully not penalties or handballs but it wouldn't surprise you with the amount that we saw at the World Cup. It wouldn't surprise me if that's part of the game. How you block a shot now is being coached and trained it has to be because of the amount of penalties that are now given."
Asked about the potential of VAR changing the game, he added: "Ideally it won't, but if it is we'll be speaking about it the next day."
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