Ange Postecoglou took a thinly-veiled dig at VAR at the weekend after Celtic brushed off controversial decisions to move one step closer to the title.
But there was no masking the fury towards the technology on the Hotline as Hoops fans declared video nasties in both their own win against St Mirren and Rangers’ victory over Kilmarnock. VAR Andrew Dallas penalised Greg Taylor for handball as St Mirren stormed ahead from the spot against the Hoops before he later overturned a Celtic penalty award when Kyogo was hauled down by Charles Dunne, although TV pictures showed the contact was outside the box.
At Ibrox Rangers were awarded a spot kick when VAR David Munro spotted Ryan Alebiosu had handled but Gers keeper Allan McGregor later went unpunished for a clumsy challenge on Rory McKenzie in the box. Celtic boss Postecoglou said yesterday: “VAR doesn’t miss anything by the looks of it, especially with us.”
And Paddy Gowans emailed: “VAR is going to ruin football. Dallas’ decision to over rule the penalty was ridiculous. There should be three in that room - two to make the decision and one to have the final say if they don't come to the same answer.”
George Fairgrieve emailed: “Is it any surprise people question the impartiality of the VAR system? Another match day and more controversy with two penalty incidents at Ibrox, one given the other not even looked at. Rangers have had 11 or 12 penalties this season yet none awarded against them, how strange.”
Meanwhile Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said tongue-in-cheek: “Was that Rangers best 45 minutes since Beale arrived? I’m talking about the first half at the SMISA Stadium yesterday obviously, not the dross from Saturday and VAR still can’t derail this Celtic team.”
However, Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, took a more balanced view as he said: “It's pathetic now, there's only one country in the world that would have so much to say about VAR, but who's surprised? It doesn't matter what decisions given, the other mob, will moan, even if it's as plain as day it'll be wrong, I give up!”
On to the actual football and Cock-a-hoop Celtic fan Kenny Wilson, Moffat, beamed: “Another three points and another step to another title. Brilliant second half performance from Celtic and Abada was different class when he came on. Yet again referees try to help Rangers, I have no issue with the penalty but Rangers don’t get penalties against them for the same thing - Conner Goldson has had two blatant ones waved away. But they won’t stop us - we’re just too good.”
Down south Liverpool hit seven against Manchester United - just like they did against Rangers in the Champions League - to leave the Red Devils red faced.
Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, said: “As a Rangers fan our Man United counterparts will now know what it feels like to be on the end of a drubbing from Liverpool. The big difference is that we were holding our own at one each until Connor Goldson was forced of with an injury and had to be replaced by an inexperienced youngster in Leon King. Just goes to show that results like this can happen to even the best of teams, even those sitting third in one of the best leagues in the world.”
Meanwhile, Hibs made it seven league games unbeaten with a 4-1 win at Livingston and Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “Well done to Hibs for sticking with manager Lee Johnson. He’s managed to turn the side around and got them to the end of the table where they need to be. Other clubs should take note and persevere with their bosses.”
Dundee United fan Kenny Goff was also heartened with his side at the weekend despite Jim Goodwin’s first game in charge ending in another defeat - to his former club Aberdeen.
Kenny emailed: “Well done to the manager and players for the fighting spirit they showed against the Dons. Keep that spirit up and we will be ok. All at one, United!”
