Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has run his eye over the big VAR controversies over the weekend in Scottish football and it's not good reading for our officials.
Three big issues dominated the conversation following the Premiership and Viaplay Cup semi-finals from Friday night to Sunday evening. Celtic and Rangers both secured their places in the final which will take place next month, however they were both involved in controversies at the national stadium. Whistlers Willie Collum and Nick Walsh were criticised for their performances at the weekend for failing to consult VAR over two huge incidents involving the Glasgow giants.
Away from the League Cup semi-finals St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson fumed at the technology branding it "soul destroying" after his side were denied a penalty at Tynecastle in the Friday night game. Hearts player Kye Rowles' hand made contact with the ball and looked a stonewall spot kick, however David Munro missed the incident and was not urged to head to VAR to look again at the incident.
Here's what the former Premier League referee thought of the incidents:
Kent v Scales
The Aberdeen v Rangers semi-final was full of incidents but the biggest one that was not acted upon was the clash between Ibrox midfielder Ryan Kent and Liam Scales. The Dons centre back appeared to be struck by Kent in the dying minutes of the game as Rangers looked to secure a winner to prevent the game going to extra-time.
Gallagher told Sky Sports News that he thought Kent deserved a yellow for the coming together. He said: "This is a tough one for the referee because it's behind his back. VAR looks at it. I don't think he has swiped like Liam says he does. He flicks out at him but it's not a punch. So I think if the referee sees it, he probably gives the yellow card."
Giakoumakis v Wright
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes took aim at Willie Collum following the semi-final on Saturday after Celtic striker bundled Joe Wright to the ground in the penalty box on the dying minutes. The Greek striker appeared to shove Wright to the ground. McInnes said: "The referee has a great view of it and I’m really disappointed with that because for me it’s a penalty." And Gallagher agreed with McInnes, he said: "I think he has taken a massive risk, he's got lucky. I think it should have been a penalty."
Rowles handball
Handball incidents have dominated the conversation about VAR errors since it was introduced at the end of last year. It was no different this weekend when Hearts player Kye Rowles appeared to get away with a handball. Gallagher believed Rowles was "lucky". He added: "He's really really lucky. Anybody who puts her arm out like this we've seen it week after week after week gets punished. Whether he didn't have an angle to say it definitely hit his arm - I don't know. When you look at that he's a very lucky player."
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