Celtic have written to the SFA to express their concerns regarding the VAR review that led to a penalty being awarded to Rangers in the latest Glasgow Derby at Ibrox. [Record Sport]
The match saw a controversial turning point when Rangers’ Fabio Silva was initially booked for diving following a challenge by Celtic’s Alistair Johnston. However, after VAR intervention, referee John Beaton reviewed the pitchside monitor and decided to award a penalty instead.
The crux of Celtic’s concern lies in what they believe was incomplete footage shown to Beaton during the VAR review. The club contends that the video failed to display the initial contact where Johnston touched the ball before Silva collided with him. Celtic argues that this missing footage was crucial and could have supported the referee’s original decision.
Moreover, Celtic is questioning the interpretation of the rules applied in this instance. According to IFAB guidelines, a penalty can still be awarded if a tackle that initially plays the ball is deemed to be executed carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force. Celtic believes that Johnston’s tackle did not meet these criteria, and therefore the decision to penalise it was unfounded.
