Celtic expert slams SFA as talks scheduled – ‘questions have to be asked’
Frank McAvennie has insisted someone “must be held accountable” for VAR inconsistency as Celtic set meeting with the SFA.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said “questions have to be asked” of the recent handball decisions that have gone against the Parkhead club.
As reported by the Daily Record (4 January), Ange Postecoglou’s side are set to raise concerns over the SFA’s handling of VAR after the controversy surrounding Connor Goldson’s derby handball.
As shown on Sky Sports (2 January), Goldson appears to hit the ball with his hands as Carl Starfelt struck the ball from close range but referee John Beaton waved away claims for a penalty.
VAR official Willie Collum didn’t instruct the on-field official to have another look at the incident.
It’s not the first time the Hoops have felt let down by the technology.
As shown on Sky Sports (5 November), the Celts conceded a penalty against Dundee United after Stephen Fletcher’s header hit Alexandro Bernabei’s arm, which was behind his back, from incredibly close range.
Referee David Dickinson was sent to the monitor to check the incident and gave a penalty to the visitors and a yellow card to the Celtic defender.
McAvennie insisted the Hoops need to raise their concerns with the SFA.
“They have got to do it because the fans are calling for it,” he told Football Insider.
“Celtic has to raise it because questions have got to be asked. It was a blatant handball against Goldson and I see replays of the one against Bernabei where his arm was at his back. What is the difference?
“I think that is what Celtic have got to do because another time that would be given.
“I quite agree with Celtic to raise the question and put it in to the SFA. Somebody has got to be held accountable. So I am happy Celtic are doing it because the fans were calling for it.“
In other news, McAvennie has lambasted ‘hungover’ Josip Juranovic as new Celtic details emerge.