The Glasgow Derby between Celtic and Rangers often produces controversy on the pitch and yesterday’s Scottish Cup final was no different.
With John Beaton on VAR, there was the potential for more after the SFA whistler’s performance on the refereeing technology at Tynecastle in Hearts’ 2-0 win over Celtic back in March.
That day produced weeks of aftermath as Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments earned him a one-match ban from the SFA.
On Saturday, there was a big penalty call in for Celtic after Rangers defender, Ben Davies, appeared to handle the ball in the Ibrox side’s penalty area. There were no lengthy VAR checks for that one as play quickly resumed.
It’s one that has caused much debate after Celtic’s Hampden win yesterday.
Scott Brown and Neil Lennon debate Celtic penalty claim
Neil Lennon and Scott Brown both had opposing views when it came to how they saw the referee and VAR handle the possible penalty claim.
Whilst both almost agreed on it being a spot-kick by today’s standards, Lennon reckoned Nick Walsh called it correctly.
Lennon said [Premier Sports], “Ben’s arm is out in an unnatural position. There’s nothing he can do about it, but we’ve seen them given.
“Going back a couple of years, you’d say it’s not a penalty, but with VAR this year, I’ve seen them given. It’s gone Rangers’ way – and it’s probably the right one.”
Scott Brown went another way and said whilst he thought a penalty award would have been harsh, it should have been given.
Brown said, “I think if Rangers got the same (decision against them), they’d be screaming for it. But I think it is a penalty in today’s game. It’s harsh, but I think it is (a penalty).”
Former SFA referees give their Celtic penalty verdict
As regular readers will know, we like to discuss how former referees view any big decisions involving Celtic.
And it seems that former SFA referees, Des Roache and Steve Conroy, have a view that the Celtic fans may not agree with. Tweeting from X account, Behind The Whistles, Roache said:
I have to say, I’m with Scott Brown on this. If the referees are going to be consistent in applying their own interpretation of the handball rule, Celtic should have been awarded the penalty.
We have seen far worse decisions given against the club since the introduction of VAR and for Walsh or Beaton not to award the spot kick highlights just how inconsistent the rule is applied.
Thankfully, it didn’t really matter in the end. Adam Idah’s late goal secured the cup and sparked scenes of celebrations similar to last weekend’s Trophy Day.