BOBBY Madden has defended the refereeing decision of Steven McLean during Celtic’s match at Ibrox.
The experienced whistleblower allowed the game to continue in spite of the Celtic camp‘s calls for a penalty when the ball appeared to flick off Connor Goldson‘s hand.
Madden explained that VAR would have reviewed the incident thoroughly, taking into account IFAB‘s rules on handball which state that it is an offence if a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm.
He also noted that, with only nine fouls in the first half, the game was played in a relatively friendly atmosphere.
He said: [Sportsound]
“I think from a refereeing perspective he will be very happy. I think everyone predicted this could be played like a friendly and I think when you see in the first half of an Old Firm there is only nine fouls, that tells its own story.
“There have been two big decisions. One, an offside call correctly allowed to continue by the main stand assistant. Then there was the potential penalty for handball by Goldson.
“In that one, people will potentially say the arm is away from the body. But any supporting arm on the ground or the arm going to support the player on the ground is not considered deliberate handball so it is not a handball offence. VAR would have checked that and with that criteria, would have advised the referee it was the correct decision.”
Clearly, McLean‘s decision for the penalty was the correct one. Although, he was inconsistent with his decision-making, in regards to bookings. However, this can’t be used as an excuse for the Hoops, who just weren’t at the races today.
It was a needlessly rotated team, and Ange postecoglou will have learned his lesson.
