VAR ended Celtic’s match yesterday. He intervened twice in instances that allowed room for referee interpretation after winning a soft-ish penalty kick that VAR John Beaton was unable to overturn (since the verdict was technically right in every way). As a result, he not only decided the game’s conclusion but also whose team is currently atop the league table.
After Celtic winger Yang Hjun-jun was sent off for a high challenge on Hearts’ Alex Cochrane following a review, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers blasted referee Don Robertson and his VAR, John Beaton, for their “incompetence.” He was also incensed at the decision, which was also prompted by VAR, to give Hearts a penalty for a handball offense committed by Celtic midfielder Tomoki Iwata. Celtic’s chances of winning the championship were damaged as Hearts went on to win the game 2-0.
Regarding Yang’s red card, Gallagher stated, “I think the player is unlucky but I think it is a red card,” on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. I believe the player is unlucky as he is truly moving in to receive the ball and has no idea where the other player is. However, you will undoubtedly receive a red card if you stud a player in the face. I simply believe that you will receive a red card if you catch someone in the face with your studs.
When asked if he thought the Iwata event was harsh, Gallagher responded, “I think so [aharsh decision].” However, one could argue that this is nothing new from the Scottish league this season. The one thing they’ve always said is that handball has been called in any situation similar to that. Hard, very, very unlucky, is how I see it. But to their credit, each and every one of them has contributed.
Gallagher was not persuaded by the penalty that Celtic was given after Cochrane and Yang collided. He remarked, “It was extremely [harsh].” “The referee gave it even though I actually thought it was a foul the other way.” I don’t see how Cochrane committed the foul when he was in front.
