Dermot Gallagher has delivered his big verdict on Dundee United's penalty award against Celtic.
Alexandro Bernabei was punished for a handball offence after VAR intervened at Parkhead. The decision left Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou frustrated over the lengthy pause as officials poured over whether or not it was a spot-kick. It was eventually given, but the Parkhead gaffer was left seething on the sidelines over the time it took as he claimed the decision “didn’t even need VAR.”
Steven Fletcher converted the penalty to level the score at 1-1 after just 12 minutes with Celtic going on to claim a 4-2 win after two last-gasp goals to secure what proved to be a huge three points after United levelled with just minutes to play. That triumph coupled up with Rangers' defeat at St Johnstone leaves the champions seven points clear at the Premiership summit.
READ MORE: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admits 'I probably didn’t handle it too well' after VAR penalty drama
But as Scotland continues to get used to VAR being part of the top flight, it has not come without drama across all grounds in the country in the first couple of weeks since its rollout. Analysing this latest talking point under the 'Ref Watch' microscope, former English Premier League whistler Gallagher said: "The player will say he has got his back to the ball.
"We saw Dan Burn the other week. If your arm is up that high, which it is, and it strikes you and blocks the ball coming back across goal.
"The referee's are consistent obviously and give handball."
Giving his opinion after the game and if VAR was interrupting the flow Postecoglou said: "I was probably more frustrated than anyone. I probably didn’t handle it too well. I’ve got no issue with VAR, but they don’t have to use it.
“The decisions they made today could have been done very quickly, but you know, I don’t think we come to the football to sit and wait for somebody a long way away from here to make a decision. I just don’t think that is what football is about.
“If they say it’s a hand ball say it’s hand ball and it’s a penalty, let’s just get on with it. We don’t have to sit there for so long just to come to a decision.”
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