We’ve already talked about how former SFA Grade 1 referee Steve Conroy believes that John Beaton shouldn’t have reversed his initial decision to give Fabio Silva a yellow card for diving to a penalty after the player’s antics. Unfortunately, VAR ruined Celtic’s draw with Rangers and has further negatively impacted another match involving the Parkhead club.
Though pundits and previous pros have weighed in on the penalty call, what did former FIFA referee Dermot Gallagher think of it? The decision marked a turning point in the game and spurred Rangers to a comeback when they appeared to be behind 2-0.
Gallagher seemed to hold a totally different view from Steve Conroy, defying the consensus of pundits, believing that the penalty was appropriately called.
The former FIFA referee disputes the assertion that Alistair Johnston ought to have been given a second yellow card. “This is a very, very interesting clip in so much as he gets a yellow card for simulation,” Gallagher said in reference to Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. Upon re-observing, the angle becomes apparent: Alistair raises his leg and strikes him in the knee, resulting in a penalty. As a result of the pressure he is under, the referee is suddenly faced with an even more difficult situation. He then turns to face the screen, returns, flips the yellow simulation card, and awards a penalty.
The Rangers players then escalate the situation by stating, “Well, Alistair Johnston already received a yellow card; he should get a second one.” But it’s just a foul in my opinion. No, there isn’t another yellow card. He has all of his options when it comes to the screen. “I don’t think it’s a yellow card challenge, but he can come back and yellow card him. I believe it to be a foul. That’s it, then. It appears that previous referees are all in agreement on one thing: uncertainty. Given that two of the best referees are unable to reach a consensus after viewing identical VAR film, what hope is there?
The fact that Celtic still have Rangers visiting Paradise for the season’s final Glasgow Derby will make Brendan Rodgers happier than the other manager. If the Celtic manager can secure victory in his team’s final six games, the title will stay at Parkhead and future VAR rulings will not influence who wins the Scottish Premiership at the end of the season.
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