The controversy surrounding VAR’s involvement in the Rangers vs Celtic clash at Ibrox continues to stir debate.
During the match, a goal by Cyriel Dessers for Rangers was disallowed after VAR intervention, which directed referee John Beaton to review a preceding foul on Celtic’s Tomoki Iwata.
The incident began when Iwata was clearly fouled, a fact that was initially overlooked by Beaton in real time.
Rangers capitalised on this oversight and proceeded to score what they thought was an equalising goal. However, the celebration was cut short when VAR stepped in, leading Beaton to the monitor for a crucial review.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher weighed in on the decision during his appearance on Sky Sports. He acknowledged the foul on Iwata but questioned the necessity of VAR’s intervention given the distance the play travelled before the goal was scored. Gallagher pointed out that Celtic had ample opportunity to reset defensively, which complicates the decision to classify the foul as part of the immediate buildup to the goal.
Gallagher stated, “They travel a long way. Celtic have a lot of time to reset, I know they don’t get the ball back. But the referee goes to the screen and decides it’s a foul. There’s no doubt it’s a foul, it’s a matter of is that foul is in the immediate build-up, is it in the attacking phase? The VAR felt it was and sent John Beaton to the screen for the third time in the match.
“I won’t argue that it’s not a foul, it’s just re-refereeing.”
If Iwata hadn’t been fouled, Rangers wouldn’t have been able to hit on the counter attack like they did. Therefore, it directly impacted the attacking phase of play.
