Chris Sutton has warned VAR chaos must not destroy Monday’s derby at Ibrox.
The former Celtic striker is adamant controversial screen calls and needless delays can’t be allowed to take centre stage in the Premiership showpiece between Rangers and their city rivals. VAR will be used for the first time in the Glasgow showdown since it was introduced into the domestic game. John Beaton will referee the contest with Willie Collum in charge of VAR.
In the past week, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson used the word “shambles” after his side’s game at Dundee United where two penalty awards were overturned and a third checked to cause long delays. Callum Davidson has also hit out at penalty awards following his side’s midweek loss to the Tynecastle outfit. Sutton says Scotland’s biggest fixture cannot be ruined by technology and has urged Beaton and Collum to be strong. He told Record Sport: “Ibrox should be a magnificent occasion.
“I just worry about what is going to happen and whether the game is going to descend into a farce. Beaton has to be strong and must make the right calls at the correct time.
“And Collum in the VAR bunker should only get involved if it’s necessary or there’s a serious injustice. The Old Firm is a showcase fixture. We can’t let it turn into a shambles.”
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