Celtic penalty fiasco reveals Rangers ref conflict ‘playing on officials heads’ as offside discussion sees VAR eviscerated

A foul on Liel Abada during the Scottish Cup match against Buckie Thistle went unpunished.

According to Michael Stewart, Rangers’ dispute with the SFA over the penalty snub against Celtic is “playing on the mind of officials” following a flashpoint in the Buckie Thistle match.

During the previous derby, Alistair Johnston looked to handle the ball during a corner, but neither on-field referee Nick Walsh nor VAR official Willie Collum awarded a penalty. Rangers expressed complaints to the SFA about Abdallah Sima’s offside position leading up to the flashpoint. The penalty was not initially awarded by the matchday officials and was later ruled out.

A similar event occurred during the Scottish Cup match against the Highland League outfit. With the game scoreless, Liel Abada appeared to be hacked down in the box by Jack Murray, prompting Steven McLean to send referee Chris Graham to the VAR room for review. The penalty would not be awarded because both Abada and Matt O’Riley were offside.

During the lengthy VAR review, an irritated Stewart stated on Viaplay: “It was offside regardless when the ball was played to him.” When the co-commentator asked if the ball was played by O’Riley, Stewart responded, “He is offside again.” “He’s offside twice.”

“There’s no doubt Jack Murray catches him. It is evident to all that he is offside. This surprises me tremendously. There is a slight touch, and you may argue that it is a foul. However, it is offside.

“This is when VAR earns a poor reputation. As soon as the first replay is played, it is clear that it is offside, and it has taken so long for a decision to be made when it is moot. It’s obvious from the initial angle that it’s offside.

Hamilton stated that the debate over the attacking phase of play was a hot topic following the derby versus Rangers. Stewart stated, “You can guarantee that has been on the minds of officials.” It became such a mess, but the right decision was eventually reached.”