Dermot Gallagher drops ‘lucky’ verdict on VAR controversy from Rangers 3-2 Old Firm loss v Celtic live on Sky Sports
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Celtic were “very lucky” to see Alfredo Morelos’ goal disallowed in the 3-2 win over Rangers.
Gers were furious that “El Buffalo” saw his early strike disallowed for a foul, despite replays showing that nothing happened and the goal should have stood.
And while appearing live on Sky Sports News for their weekly “Ref Watch” segment (10 April, 11:48am), Gallagher claimed the home side were lucky the decision went in their favour.
“I think Celtic are very, very lucky,” he said. “Both players are grappling. For me, it’s best to let it go.”
Gallagher then added: “Both players are grappling there, there’s no doubt about it. The referee didn’t go to VAR, they just got lucky.”
Stephen Warnock was also present and gave his opinion on the decision, calling it “incredible”.
“Incredible, both players have got hands on each other, it’s a physical game at the end of the day,” he said.
“That isn’t enough to rule out a goal, it’s physical contact, two players jostling for position. Again it’s another poor decision.”
Horrible
It’s fair to say judging by the reaction of most since the decision was made that had this game been at Ibrox, Hampden Park or anywhere but Parkhead then the goal would have stood.
There was absolutely no way that it could be a foul, with both players jostling for position and no appeals made by anyone until the ball went into the net.
It was clear to everyone immediately after the incident happened that nothing had occurred, and the video evidence proved it.
So the fact VAR didn’t intervene to let the referee know he made a mistake renders the whole system as completely pointless and proves that the officials in this country are just incompetent.
It’s not a foul and while it doesn’t make up for the rest of the poor display, it’s pretty clear we were never going to win that game with the referee in charge.
In other Rangers news, an ex-FIFA referee has made a staggering claim about VAR surrounding the Morelos incident v Celtic.