‘I’m surprised’ – Hackett baffled as ‘UEFA shortfall’ emerges in Rangers win v Panathinaikos
Rangers are through to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers after holding Panathinaikos to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.
The Greek side started well and went ahead in the second half through Filip Duricic, but it would take Djeidi Gassama just six minutes to volley Rangers back level with a stunning effort.
Cyriel Dessers could have scored the winner for Russell Martin’s side, but the Belgian’s effort was parried away well by the goalkeeper.
But a draw was enough to see Rangers through, regardless, with the 2-0 win at Ibrox last week proving key.
Ibrox News presents the exclusive opinion of former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
VAR blunder ‘should have been resolved’
Panathinaikos may have a reason to feel hard done by after their opening goal.
It was in the 53rd minute that Duricic’s header trickled past Jack Butland to halve the deficit on aggregate, but the offside flag was quickly raised by the official.
On replay, the line was tight, but the back leg of Max Aarons looked to be playing the goal-scorer onside.
What proceeded was a VAR check that lasted almost four minutes as officials attempted to draw the lines, killing any Panathinaikos momentum.
All the while, viewers watching the game on BBC Scotland were left to wonder, with no footage of the VAR’s process shown.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, ex-referee Keith Hackett said: “If they are operating with the semi-automated offside system, then once the decision is made, the expectation is that an animation of the players’ positions and confirmation lines are produced.
“I’m surprised that even with the basic VAR system, no lines are shown. For me, this is a shortfall in the VAR procedure that should have been resolved before the game took place.
“Sadly, with no lines, it increases the doubt of one set of spectators regarding the outcome.”
Rangers can thank VAR
It sounds strange to thank VAR for allowing a goal scored by the opposition, but Rangers can be grateful for the length of time that the decision took.
A quickly-made call would have allowed the momentum of both Panathinaikos, and their fans, to continue to bubble.
Instead, they were made to wait on the edge of their seats as VAR took their time.
Rangers may well have survived the following onslaught regardless, but they will be thankful to have staved off some of that pressure.
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