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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Dermot Gallagher brands Celtic 'very lucky' over Alfredo Morelos Rangers no goal

Former referee Dermot Gallagher has told Celtic they were "very lucky" to not fall behind to an Alfredo Morelos Rangers goal on Saturday.

The Gers striker had the ball in the net from a corner but referee Kevin Clancy controversially judged that the Colombian had fouled Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston when it looked like both players were tangling with each other.

Rangers have since written to the SFA for answers over the incident and ex-Premier League whistler Gallagher can see why.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, he said: "I think Celtic got very, very lucky. Both players are grappling, for me, it's best to let it go.

"I think the danger, both players are grappling there's no doubt about it, they (Celtic) just got lucky."

Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock also weighed in. He added: "Incredible, both players have got hands on each other, it's a physical game at the end of the day.

"That isn't enough to rule out a goal, it's physical contact, two players jostling for position. Again it's another poor decision."

Former Scottish official Stuart Dougal also had his say on BBC Sport's The Vardict today.

He explained that VAR could not intervene due to there not being a clear and obvious error.

He said: "Before we look at that, I'm delighted that following an Old Firm game there is very little for us to look at.

"As you know I am always happy if a referee can come through a game relatively unscathed.

"Obviously, this is the big talking point from the weekend. and Kevin has called it as he has seen it.

"The problem, if you like, for certain factions is that VAR can't intervene here because it is not seen as a clear and obvious error.

"If there is something much more blatant - there is no contact whatsoever - then of course VAR could step in or ask the referee to have a look at it again.

"But where they are looking at that clip and it is a bit 50/50, 60/40 depending on what side of the fence you are on, VAR under the current protocol can't get involved."

Host Alasdair Lamont then cited questions raised in the aftermath of the incident over whether Clancy could have allowed the goal and then relied on VAR in the case that it was a foul.

"A great point," Dougal said to the suggestion. "The simple reason for that is if Kevin doesn't call that the way that he has and he is relying on VAR and VAR says to him basically you are wrong then it means Kevin is wrong.

"So by not making a decision he can still be wrong. It's important that the referee team, not just the match official, call the shots as they see them.

"And if they need VAR to rescue them, in inverted commas, then that's what can happen."

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