10 Premiership decisions go under review as Bobby Madden bats for Celtic in VAR defence but one ‘maniac’ gets it tight.
10 Premiership decisions go under review as Bobby Madden bats for Celtic in VAR defence but one ‘maniac’ gets it tight.
Madden ran the rule over 10 big decisions across four Premiership games
Bobby Madden can’t really see the fuss over the two VAR decisions in Celtic’s win over Hearts – but branded Shaun Rooney a ‘maniac’ who should have been sent off for St Mirren.
Last weekend was filled with VAR and refereeing drama, with ten decisions across four games coming to former Grade 1 ref Madden’s attention in his latest social media review of the Premiership action. At Parkhead, Hearts were initially awarded a penalty for handball before it was overturned following a VAR review – and felt aggrieved when the exact opposite happened in the second half to let Arne Engels open the scoring from the spot for the Hoops.
Paisley was where most of the VAR controversy came though, with Derek McInnes slamming Shaun Rooney for a ‘full-blooded volley’ on his player, before Joe Wright saw red for a clash with Rooney in the tunnel. There was also plenty to unpack in Dingwall and Leith and here’s how Madden saw it all on his Instagram.
Celtic 2 Hearts 0
Hearts were first denied a penalty after Colin Steven pointed to the spot for handball by Liam Scales – only to be sent to the monitor to review it. He overturned his call eventually, and Madden said: “Incorrect call by referee (initially), but totally understandable live. I’d rather see a referee make a call than rely on VAR. Good VAR intervention.”
And on the spot-kick that was awarded at the other end after handball by James Penrice, Madden also defended VAR as he said: “Celtic penalty. Not identified on field. Arms are away from the body and a punishable handball. Good VAR intervention.”
St Mirren 2 Kilmarnock 2
First up was a late challenge from Mikael Mandron which Madden feels should have been punished with a second yellow. He said: “Reckless tackle. A challenge like this can’t be managed. VAR obviously can’t get involved.”
On the Shaun Rooney moment of madness which sparked McInnes’ fury, he added: “Like the big man but he’s a maniac. That’s not a genuine attempt for the ball. SFP (serious foul play) as ball is there. Amazed no intervention. Could be two red cards.”
Kilmarnock got a penalty for handball by Joe Wright and Madden agreed, saying: “Handball. Clear, arm away from body. Referee should see it live as he is well placed. Good VAR intervention.”
And then Wright saw red for an apparent ‘punch’ on previous offender Rooney in the tunnel. “Any deliberate contact to that area is considered brutality and red card issued for violent conduct. Not easy for the referee to see live. Good VAR intervention.”
And as for James Scott’s late disallowed winner? “Disallowed goal. Clear foul in APP (attacking phase of play). Busy penalty area but probably should be detected live. Good VAR intervention.”
Ross County 2 Dundee 0
“Ross County penalty. If the defender lets go after the initial challenge it’s not punishable but you quite simply can’t drag a player to the ground with two hands. Not easy for the referee to detect live as he will have followed ball. Good VAR intervention.
“Potential Dundee penalty. I prefer a penalty. Defender makes a second movement and no contact with ball after attacker takes touch beyond him. I would also prefer VAR intervention. Others may not. When polls are so close it would suggest that there should be no intervention either way.”
Hibs 2 St Johnstone 0
“Red card for SFP (on Benjamin Kimpioka). Call me old fashioned but I prefer a yellow card. I’d like to see more contact for Red. People will say, lunge, out of control etc, but it’s from the side and across front of opponent and doesn’t endanger their safety. 71% want yellow but I’d suggest VAR would not intervene either way.”
Leave a Reply