By Frank McAvennie

28th Mar, 2023 | 8:09am

Celtic idol fumes as new VAR details emerge - 'it's a coward's way out'

Celtic idol Frank McAvennie can’t believe that Rangers have not conceded a single penalty in the Premiership this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said that referees are no longer the ones in charge of the game and that they rely too heavily on VAR.

As relayed by the Sun (22 March), when VAR was introduced in October there had been 17 penalties awarded in the Scottish Premiership.

Now, almost six month since the technology’s introduction there have been 67 penalties given in the league, 50 of which have come since the introduction of video assistant referees.

Celtic hadn’t conceded a spot kick before the technology was added but have faced seven since.

On the other side of Glasgow, Rangers are still yet to conceded a penalty in the league this season after 29 games.

As shown on Sportscene, the last time the sides met at Ibrox (4 January) Connor Goldson caused massive controversy after he appeared to handle the ball inside his own box.

The Celts weren’t awarded a spot kick despite a VAR check.

McAvennie has been left disappointed by referees and VAR since the technology’s arrival in Scotland.

“I just feel referees are not reffing the game now,” he told Football Insider.

“The Rangers v Celtic game, the Goldson handball, I will never forget the referee saying it is not his decision.

“It is a coward’s way out. If you are going to give the penalty just stand up and accept it, but they do not now they just blame it on VAR. 50 penalties and not one against Rangers.

“I am sure Celtic have got away with some decision but they have still conceded some.”

In other news, Rangers and Celtic in line for £60m jackpot as ‘aggressive’ plot revealed.