One of the most frustrating aspects of modern football, and particularly since the introduction of VAR, is that pundits just don’t seem to know the laws of the game.
For Rangers fans, this is a constant source of frustration with numerous controversial decisions, that are easily explained, blown out of all proportion. Even manager Philippe Clement was able to grudgingly accept those that went against his squad.
Sunday’s Old Firm at Ibrox was no different with Rangers fans having to listen to Michael Stewart continuously ignore the laws to justify his own opinion but the BBC pundit has been called out by no less than a group of former top flight officials.
Rangers penalty call sees Michael Stewart given dressing down
The biggest incident was when Fabio Silva was clearly tripped by Alistair Johnston in the Celtic box.
There is no debate.
Johnston got the ball first, he then followed through on Silva, who then exagerrated the fall.
Given his previous behavior and the angle that John Beaton was at, it’s no wonder he booked the Portuguese forward first before having to change his decision.
However, Stewart seemed intent, on BBC Sportscene to invent a reason why it wasn’t a penalty:
“It’s not a penalty kick, he wins the ball.
“There you go! Wins the ball.”
The studio pairing of Peter Grant and Neil McCann were considerably more rational with their opinions.
He then followed this up today by criticising the VAR official, Nick Walsh:
“I do wonder if Nick Walsh didn’t see the initial touch of the ball, hence why he never showed it. He wouldn’t be alone. After the game I had to show the touch to someone who was completely unaware of it.”
Stewart played the game well into the 2000s, getting a touch on the ball has long since been irrelevant in terms of whether or not a foul has been committed, somthing that the Behind the Whistle podcast has been quick to point out:
“While challenging for the ball and a player first touches the ball and then makes contact with an opponent. May this action be penalised by the referee?
“The decision will depend on the exact nature of the challenge. It must be emphasised that playing the ball (first) does not necessarily mean that a challenge is “legal”.
“It is a direct free kick (or penalty kick) if:
“A tackle is careless, reckless or uses excessive force (it does not matter if there is contact with the ball or not).
“A player makes unfair contact with the ball and an opponent at the same time or afterwards.”
The former refs, Steve Conroy and Dennis Roache are self-confessed Celtic fans but were quick to remind Stewart of what his job is telling him:
“Sorry @mstewart_23 you need to read up on the Laws of the game. They are pinned to our Account.”
Oh dear.
Back to school for one of BBC’s lead pundits it is then, but we’ve seen before, when it comes to Rangers, the laws are subject to change.
Remember “biomechanics” when Rangers were awarded a penalty?
I wonder why they weren’t at play when Connor Goldson was penalised for handball. Incredibly, Stewart suggested that it was intentional from the Gers vice-captain.
Will Stewart back down and change his mind – I wouldn’t hold your breath.
