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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Alfredo Morelos Celtic goal SHOULD have stood says former ref but Rangers hero Ally McCoist hit with VAR reality check

Ally McCoist wasn't right to call VAR's latest controversy an embarrassment - but the use of the technology as Celtic faced Rangers didn't get pass marks from former ref Des Roache.

A pulsating derby at Parkhead leaves Ange Postecoglou's champions on the brink of another Scottish Premiership title lift after they emerged 3-2 winners in Glasgow's east end. Kyogo got a double and Jota made John Souttar pay for a slack backpass to finish things off, with James Tavernier's double not enough to stop Celtic going 12 points clear.

The sides will next meet in Scottish Cup semi-final action at the end of this month and with seven league games to go, it likely represents a last stand for Rangers silverware this season. But a huge pendulum swing occurred at 0-0 in this encounter, as Alfredo Morelos had a goal ruled out when he was deemed to have pushed Alistair Johnston to the deck inside the Hoops box by referee Kevin Clancy.

VAR official Nick Walsh agreed and that had Ibrox legend Ally McCoist calling the ref assistance an "embarrassment". But former whistler Des Roache says that is harsh, even though VAR isn't without fault.

Alfredo Morelos protests his innocence after his goal is disallowed for a foul (SNS Group)

He told Grosvenor Sport: "It should've been a goal. Both players were pushing and pulling each other, unfortunately the match officials got it wrong and I'm disappointed at VAR getting it wrong too.

"I wouldn't be expecting a foul to be called for that. Having said that, Ally McCoist was harsh to say the way VAR is handled is embarrassing.

"I'd trust any of the top referees at the moment. Kevin won't take charge of it and it's probably too early for David Dickinson, Nick Walsh and John Beaton will be in contention but I'd like to see Don Robertson get a chance, he deserves a chance at that game."

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