Ex-Fifa official issues VAR claim as controversial Daizen Maeda footage emerges from Celtic
Celtic may have deserved a penalty in their 2-0 win over Ross County yesterday (24 April) but the referee had “no chance” of awarding it.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential handball by Ross County’s Connor Randall.
As shown on the BBC’s Sportscene programme, the ball appeared to hit Randall’s hand as he challenged a cross from a corner with Daizen Maeda.
Referee Kevin Clancy did not point to the spot as his view was blocked by a number of players.
And Hackett has admitted that there is no guarantee VAR would have intervened if it was in operation.
He said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “The referee’s got no chance.
“I can understand why the manager would want a penalty kick though.
“These are the ones where comfort is given to the players and management if VAR is operating correctly. There’s someone in the VAR room, looking at incidents like that.
“The referee’s not going to make that call because first of all he’s got to see it and recognise it then act.
“The bodies of players are covering that up so he’s not got a chance. This is where VAR could come in.
“Whether VAR would come in even on that one, there’s some doubt.”
Celtic’s win maintained their six point lead over Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The two sides meet for the final time of the season next Sunday (1 May) for at Parkhead.
In other news, Celtic and Rangers are set for ‘unfair’ treatment as a ‘bizarre’ development is confirmed.