Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher backed VAR's decision to award penalties for Rangers and Celtic as he ran the rule over multiple weekend incidents.
The Ibrox side recorded a much-needed 4-1 win over Aberdeen on Saturday but the scoreline could have been embellished further had James Tavernier converted from the spot. A handball from defender Jayden Richardson was initially passed over by on-pitch referee Steven McLean. But the whistler was quickly called to check the pitchside monitor by Nick Walsh and assistant John McCrossan in the VAR room.
After taking a second look, McLean awarded Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side a spot-kick which Tavernier struck against the post. Ex-ref Gallagher noted the ball bounced off Richardson's leg and then onto his arm but suspects the reason the penalty was given is the Dons star moved his hand towards the ball. Gallagher said on Sky Sports News: "If you see the guy, he puts his arm out and I think he actually moves his hand to the ball as well. It's almost like he doesn't expect the ball to bounce up.
"It does (bounce off his leg) but the difference is his arm wasn't there, his arm moves to the ball. I think that's why the referee probably thought it came off him but the VAR said he's actually moved towards the ball."
VAR intervened again in the second period to rule out an Alfredo Morelos goal for offside after the striker was played in by Fashion Sakala. The Colombian did eventually get on the scoresheet as Sakala's low delivery deflected into his path for a tap-in, which was allowed to stand following the VAR check.
And Gallagher insists the officials got both decision spot on. He said: "(First goal) It was given offside on the pitch and VAR confirmed offside. It's very, very tight but correct.
"(The second one) is interesting because Morelos thinks he's offside. But when you see it, he isn't, he's actually behind the ball. He's onside."
Celtic were also awarded a penalty for handball in their win over Livingston - and Gallagher insists the decision is consistent with what he's already seen in the Premiership and English Premier League this season.
He said: "I think it is one that we see in the Premier League regularly. The ball does strikes the hand. No doubt about it. The referee can't see it because body is obscured. It goes to VAR, he gives a goal-kick - I can understand he can't see it - and when he is sent to the VAR.
"This is what he can't see (Willie Collum). It is above the shoulder and that is what we talk about. Anything up there, Rob. They've been consistent in the Premier League and the SPFL. They've given them."
Tony Watt' s red card in Motherwell's defeat to Dundee United also sparked significant discussion over the weekend. The striker's high challenge on Sean Goss initially prompted no on-pitch action from referee John Beaton.
But following a look at the monitor, Watt was sent off - a decision United have chosen to appeal. But Gallagher reckons they should be unsuccessful as he backed the officials, insisting a reverse angle which wasn't shown on TV makes it clear Watt deserved red.
Gallagher said: "You might change your mind when you see the VAR shot, when you see the shape of his body and where he is. For me, if you're turning your body away, you're not going for the ball. I'm sure you'll have the VAR shot... you haven't. He turns away and leaves his leg in, which is what you don't ask a defender to do, isn't it?"
