Edinburgh journalist rages at Sky Sports footage of incident in Hearts v Rangers
Rangers were the beneficiaries of controversy in their 3-1 Scottish Premiership win away at Hearts on Sunday.
Philippe Clement eased some of the intense scrutiny surrounding his future in the dugout with a tense victory at Tynecastle (16 February).
Two own goals from the hosts and a Vaclav Cerny strike secured all three points as the Gers closed the gap to Celtic to 13 points.
However, there was fury on social media about the lack of VAR action for one of the Light Blues’ goals in the contest.
Edinburgh journalist blasts VAR over Rangers incident
In the 61st minute after Hearts had wasted multiple chances, Cerny raced ahead to give the Gers the lead in the clash for the second time.
However, the hosts were denied a penalty immediately before the Czech Republic star’s strike when Clinton Nsiala pushed James Wilson in the penalty area.
Edinburgh News journalist Barry Anderson blasted the decision, in a response to Sky Sports footage on X (16 February), he said: “This is why fans get frustrated and angry due to lack of consistency with officials/VAR.
“The score is 1-1, Hearts denied a penalty when Nsiala pushes Wilson in the back.
“Rangers promptly run up the park and score to go 2-1 ahead. VAR doesn’t intervene. Why not?”
Rangers will not care about controversy after crucial win
Victory was absolutely essential for Clement and his side after the embarrassing defeat in the Scottish FA Cup to lowly Queen’s Park (9 February).
They will not concern themselves with the controversy surrounding a decision that went in their favour after such a hard-fought result.
They may even point to much more influential decisions that have went against them this season, including a horrendous call in the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.
Performance levels will be a much bigger worry for the Belgian as the Jam Tarts had multiple chances and if it was not for the incredible display from Jack Butland, the Govan club could have tasted defeat.
Despite having the immediate backing of the board and most crucially CEO Patrick Stewart, Philippe Clement could find himself in trouble again soon if results do not go the Gers’ way in the next few weeks.
It is crucial that this result starts a winning streak for the former Monaco man and brings the Light Blues as close as he possibly can to Brendan Rodgers’ side before the end of the season.