It was a controversial pair of games for VAR at the weekend again. But when the dust had settled, those with a clear understanding of the rules reckoned the red card in the Celtic vs Hearts game was correct. And it seemed most were left confused by the lack of decision by John Beaton and VAR for a potentially game changing incident at Ibrox.
At Tynecastle Park on Sunday, referee Nick Walsh had given a free kick and yellow card as Daizen Maeda was brought down by Alex Cochrane on the edge of the penalty box.
On first look that seemed correct. But VAR led him into reviewing whether the foul was in the penalty area and more critically, was it a red card for preventing a goal scoring opportunity?
But as reported by the Daily Record, former Premier League referee, Dermot Gallagher, said while speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch:
"“One of my friends is a Hearts fan and he sent me a message last night saying he didn’t think it was right. But I actually think it is a red card. The reason I think it is a red card, if you go sideways, at that point Cochrane is not going to catch (Maeda), he brings him down.“The law says will he get a shot away? I think for the referee, in normal play, it is a yellow card. He can’t see that. When he goes to the screen he sees what I’ve seen there. I just think it’s obviously going to be a red card.”"
Former Referee puts end to Celtic controversy vs Hearts
Over at Ibrox, the Rangers were taking on Aberdeen. It was very much a meaningful fixture for the Dons as they vie for a 3rd place finish in the Premiership. So you can understand why their fans might have been frustrated and perplexed by the lack of a decision in the first half.
Rangers centre-back, Connor Goldson, appeared to wrestle Aberdeen forward Duk to the ground. But on this occasion, referee John Beaton, did not call for even a foul.
Given the way the Aberdeen forward was brought down a red card would by no means be out of the question. There’s also a strong claim for a penalty although the action started just outside the box.
If a defender starts holding an opposition player outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, then the referee must award a penalty kick.
Of course VAR and those decisions aren’t the only contrasts in the first set of post-split matches. Celtic went on to be crowned back to back Premiership champions and await the Scottish Cup final in June to try and clinch a record 8th treble. Whereas the Rangers got themselves a narrow 1-0 victory, but there trophyless season was confirmed.