Rangers: Journalist suggests new VAR procedure after controversial incidents in Old Firm v Celtic
Journalist James Cox has suggested a change to VAR should be made following multiple stoppages in the Old Firm between Rangers and Celtic.
Compared to years gone by, the Old Firm (7 April) was a much more close-fought affair with both sides having their moments.
It started as badly as possible with James Tavernier’s clearance cannoning in off Daizen Maeda. Then Connor Goldson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. The ball connected with his elbow as opposed to his head and gave Matt O’Riley a chance to make it two which he did with ease.
The Gers did come back into the game through a Tavernier penalty after Fabio Silva was deemed to have been fouled in the box after a lengthy VAR check.
Ibrox went crazy as Cyriel Dessers scored a quick equaliser but once again a lengthy VAR check the goal was chalked off for a foul.
This has sparked a bigger conversation about refereeing with Cox suggesting a new system that could save any controversy.
He said to The Guardian (13:30, 7 April): “Don’t mean to be Billy Big Bullhooks but I’ve been saying this for ages, and I noticed it was picked up on MOTD last night (not because of me). Have it like tennis, three calls per game, captain makes the call to review … gets it right keeps them, wrong and he loses one. Puts more value in captaincy and takes pressure away from refs.
“My issue with this is that teams might use their challenge towards full time just to waste a few seconds, and that we still have the problem of ambiguity in the laws and lack of accordant refereeing consistency.”
How has VAR affected Rangers in the Old Firm v Celtic?
It has to be said that Rangers have certainly had one VAR decision in their favour and one very much against them.
The first one came as loanee, Silva went down softly under a challenge from Alistair Johnston. He was booked for diving before the penalty was eventually given by John Beaton.
The second certainly caused frustration as Dessers looked to have got an equaliser just minutes after the first goal.
After a check lasting many minutes, Tom Lawrence was adjudged to have fouled Tomoki Iwata at the beginning of the attack.
This was certainly frustrating for the Gers but on reflection, they may feel that they’ve gotten away with one with the penalty.
It was clear from the reaction of pundits on Sky Sports that it was a controversial decision and maybe was a stroke of luck to be given.
Coming away with a draw despite being 2-0 and 3-2 down was a solid enough result for Philippe Clement despite it potentially being a must-win game.
In other Rangers news, a “weird” twist has emerged ahead of the midweek trip to Dundee.
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