{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":[],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
Willie Collum explains why Rangers penalty claim is ‘irrelevant’ as VAR audio released
Willie Collum, the Scottish FA’s head of refereeing, has spoken out about the controversial VAR decision during the Premier Sports Cup Final, where Rangers were denied a penalty against Celtic.
In the match, which ended in a 3-3 draw before Celtic won 5-4 on penalties, Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny was fouled by Celtic defender Liam Scales on the edge of the penalty box. Referee John Beaton issued a yellow card to Scales and awarded a free-kick.
However, replays showed that Cerny was inside the box when Scales pulled him, yet the VAR team failed to apply IFAB’s rule 12 and award a penalty.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement was furious after the game, and incoming CEO Patrick Stewart has reached out to the SFA for an explanation.
In response, Collum admitted that, while not everything about the situation was straightforward, the VAR team made the wrong call.
The SFA released the audio from the VAR review, which showed VAR Alan Muir and assistant Frank Connor discussing the incident. Both officials initially believed the foul occurred outside the box and quickly made their decision without a thorough analysis.
Meanwhile, the AVAR was focused on recording the yellow card for Scales and not properly observing the incident. The VAR team then asked for confirmation from the AVAR about whether the foul was outside the box, with the AVAR agreeing.
Collum, speaking on the VAR Review Show, explained that the key part of the incident was the holding of Cerny’s shirt, which began outside the penalty area and continued onto the line, possibly extending into the box.
He stated that the position of Cerny’s foot on the line was irrelevant, as the focus should have been on the shirt pull. According to Collum, this should have been a clear penalty.
He also criticized the VAR team for their hasty analysis, emphasizing that they focused too much on the majority of Cerny’s body being outside the box, which was not the crucial detail.
Collum pointed out that the VAR team did not take enough time to analyze the situation properly and should have looked for clear evidence that the holding extended into the penalty area.
Collum acknowledged the gravity of the mistake, saying it was difficult to accept, and emphasized the importance of learning from it. He stated that the VAR team should have asked open-ended questions, allowing the AVAR to make an independent assessment, rather than simply agreeing with the VAR’s initial judgment.
When asked about accountability, Collum assured that the VAR team’s failure would not go unnoticed. He called the decision unacceptable and promised that the SFA would use the incident as a learning opportunity.
While disciplinary actions are private, Collum assured the public that referees would be held accountable for their mistakes and that the SFA would strive to prevent similar errors in the future.
He emphasized the importance of internal accountability and the need to protect the wider group of referees, ensuring consistency in decision-making.
