VAR sparked controversy during Celtic’s victory over St Mirren yesterday afternoon.
The Bhoys’ triumph at the SMISA Stadium marked Brendan Rodgers’ 24th win out of 29 games this season, as Celtic have dominated the competition in Scotland.
While the Celtic manager edges closer to securing the league title, VAR once again stirred debate this weekend after St Mirren were denied what many believed to be a clear penalty.
Stephen Robinson was adamant that VAR had erred, and it appears the Sky Sports pundit panel—James McFadden, former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, and Kris Boyd—all shared his view.
Kris Boyd’s ‘studs’ rant at Celtic’s Alistair Johnston vs St Mirren
Boyd launched into one of his trademark rants, expressing disbelief that Celtic escaped punishment from the video referee.
Boyd told Sky Sports, “I can’t believe that this penalty has not been given.
“Listen, there’s a little touch, a slight touch on the ball, but he goes through and absolutely wipes him out.
“You can see there that it’s been, this is studs right into the ankle. I mean, I cannot believe a penalty kick has not been given.
“You run the risk when you’re challenging like that and you follow it right through. For me, it’s a penalty kick, and by the way, it’s above the ankle as well.”
James McFadden ‘can’t believe’ St Mirren did not get a penalty vs Celtic
McFadden, Boyd’s co-pundit, also agreed that a penalty should have been awarded but offered an explanation for VAR’s decision to deem Alistair Johnston’s challenge on St Mirren’s Roland Idowu legal.
McFadden said, “They said if there is a touch on the ball, it’s a natural football contact. That’s a penalty for me.
“The thing about it is that the ball comes towards the goalkeeper, so he does get the first touch, then there’s a touch from Idowu and then he catches him.
“It’s a penalty. I can’t believe they looked at that and felt it was a fair challenge.”
This controversy is likely to linger into next week, at least until someone from the SFA or Willie Collum provides a clear explanation for why the penalty was not awarded.
As Celtic have already experienced with VAR, errors by the video refereeing system can impact the Parkhead club as well.
