Rangers have lost their chance of winning the league title as they will face point deduction after two former referees criticised
Two former referees have slammed the officiating team’s justification for denying Livingston a penalty at Ibrox yesterday.
With David Martindale’s side level with Rangers after Tete Yengi cancelled out Manny Fernandez’s early opener, the former then saw a goalbound shot blocked by the latter’s hand.
No penalty was awarded, to the bafflement of Livi, and manager David Martindale was furious post-match.
BBC Scotland’s panel on Open All Mics couldn’t believe it either and they then received an explanation from the VAR team.
Commentator Paul Mitchell said on Sportsound: “We are getting some information coming through from VAR, just to say that the ball did actually strike the hand but it did come off the body, and therefore it wouldn’t have been a problem.”
Former referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy weren’t buying that explanation and say there is “no justification.”
A post from their Ref’s View podcast account said: “Where is there contact with the thigh? It’s a clear & obvious penalty. VAR chose to not award a penalty & it can’t be ignored. No justification for John Beaton’s interpretation on this.”
Speaking after the game, Martindale had said: “I don’t know where to go with the handball decision. It hits his arm, it’s going on target, could be a goal.
“I’d like Willie [Collum] to phone me and explain that one. It’s not his fault but the technology is not being used properly if that’s not a penalty.
“I know if that’s at Livingston and against us, that’s a penalty against us. It’s a penalty, nobody will change my mind on that.”
Former referees are speaking out against the officiating team’s decision to deny Livingston a penalty at Ibrox yesterday. The controversy surrounds a handball incident involving Emmanuel Fernandez, where Tete Yengi’s shot hit Fernandez’s arm, but no penalty was awarded ¹.
Keith Hackett, a former FIFA referee, has criticized the decision, stating that Fernandez’s arm was outstretched and the ball was on target, making it a clear penalty. Michael Stewart, another pundit, called the decision “unfathomable” and said it was “outrageous from VAR” ².
Livingston’s manager, David Martindale, is also fuming about the decision, saying it’s a “clear penalty” and that he knows if the incident happened at Livingston, it would be a penalty against Rangers. He wants Willie Collum to explain the decision ¹.
The SFA has given an explanation for the decision, stating that the ball struck Fernandez’s hand, but it was a natural movement, and therefore, no penalty was awarded ².
The controversy has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some calling for more transparency in VAR decisions. What do you think about the decision? Should Livingston have been awarded a penalty
