Mark Wilson has expressed his disbelief at how quickly Rangers’ penalty claim was dismissed during the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden Park, suggesting the incident wasn’t given the scrutiny it deserved.
Meanwhile, former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has defended the officials, criticising selective outrage over the use of VAR.
Wilson, who spent six years at Celtic, watched the final from the stands, where he had a clear view of the controversial moment involving Celtic defender Liam Scales and Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny.
Scales appeared to tug Cerny’s jersey on the edge of the penalty box, and although referee John Beaton awarded a free kick, VAR officials Alan Muir and Frank O’Connor chose not to intervene or recommend a review.
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Wilson argued that the incident was a clear penalty and suggested VAR dismissed it far too quickly:
“Where we were sitting, we had the screen in front of us. So it’s delayed by about three seconds. So we look right away, but the replay seemed so quick. We’ve even got the VAR right there, Lenny (Neil Lennon) and (Alan) Hutton were right in front of us doing the co-comms. I didn’t see anything flash up. It’s almost like it was brushed aside very quickly.
“The factual decision is it’s a penalty. It doesn’t even need to go to the screen.”
Wilson was surprised at the lack of action given that VAR officials have access to multiple angles from broadcast partners during televised matches like Sunday’s final.
The Scottish FA has since admitted an error was made, with Muir and O’Connor reportedly removed from duties for the coming week.
Grant Defends Officials Amid Outrage
Peter Grant, speaking on the Go Radio football show, offered a contrasting perspective. While he agreed the incident could have been a penalty, he accused Rangers fans and officials of selective outrage, pointing to other incidents in the match that also warranted scrutiny.
Responding to a caller who accused the officials of bias, Grant said:
“You’re only hearing this from the Rangers eyes. I don’t hear them talking about Jefte in the first half, when it’s a red card for the tackle – you’re not mentioning that. Let’s be clear, if you want to use VAR, use it for everything. Don’t pick and choose what you want to use it for.
“I thought it was a penalty (Scales on Cerny). But only because it continued into the box. Where the original tug takes place, it’s outside the box. It continues in, so that means it is a penalty – I didn’t know that rule, but that is the rule.”
Grant also highlighted the lack of immediate reaction from Rangers players and staff during the game:
“The linesman doesn’t flag it and he’s standing 10 yards away, looking right across. The referee goes right into his pocket and pulls out the yellow card, doesn’t give a penalty. Not one Rangers player claimed for a penalty. Most Rangers fans are saying, ‘I didn’t see it at first.’ That is football, that’s what happens.
“I watched Clement, he was right below me, he never shouted for a penalty. He’s usually first up to be throwing his hands in the air. If you’re looking for excuses, you will find them.”
VAR Under Fire Again
The incident has reignited debates about VAR’s consistency and the officials’ decision-making process in high-stakes matches.
While Wilson was adamant that the penalty claim was mishandled, Grant’s comments underline the subjective nature of these debates, with both sides of the rivalry focusing on different aspects of the officiating.
As the fallout continues, the Scottish FA’s admission of error adds further pressure on officials to ensure such high-profile mistakes are avoided in future matches.
For now, though, both sides remain entrenched in their views over what has become another contentious chapter in Old Firm history.
