Ex-Fifa official demands extended ban as controversial Alfredo Morelos footage emerges at Rangers
Keith Hackett has hailed the use of VAR in the decision to dismiss Livingston’s Morgan Boyes for a nasty tackle on Rangers star Alfredo Morelos.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted there is now “no hiding place” for Scottish Premiership stars after a “really good application” of the technology in its first weekend of use.
As seen on BBC’s Sportscene programme (22 October, 27:00), Boyes clatters into Morelos outside the penalty area with the striker heading away from goal.
Referee Nick Walsh initially gave the Livingston centre-back a yellow card but after being referred to the pitchside monitor, upgraded the punishment to a red card.
The West Lothian side were leading 1-0 at Ibrox before the incident, but Rangers managed to claw back an injury-time equaliser through John Lundstram.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have slipped four points behind rivals Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership.
Hackett praised the “spot-on” process behind the VAR technology after its introduction over the weekend.
He told Football Insider: “Players in the Scottish Premiership – welcome to VAR.
“There is no hiding place. I have to compliment the referee and the VAR for upgrading this to a red card offence.
“The referee isn’t in a great position. Without VAR, the assistant might have come in. But now with the technology, it makes it a much easier decision.
“This is a really good application of VAR on its introduction to the league.
“I think it has worked really well in Scotland – the process seems to be spot-on.”
In other news, pundit claims Antonio Colak is facing axe from Rangers XI after what he’s seen.