Ex-Fifa official on Rangers controversy after unexpected Ryan Jack twist – ‘I’ve looked at this again’
Keith Hackett has hailed experienced referee Willie Collum for refusing to dismiss Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack despite going to the pitchside monitor to review his challenge on St Johnstone star Adam Montgomery on Saturday (28 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the decision was a “big benchmark for Scottish football”.
As seen in footage from the Sky Sports Scotland Twitter account (28 January), Jack was yellow-carded for a late challenge on St Johnstone’s Montgomery.
VAR reviewed the incident and instructed Collum to take another look on the pitchside monitor but the vastly-experienced referee chose to stick with his original decision – becoming one of the first Scottish referees to do so.
Just minutes earlier, Jack was on the end of a rash challenge from Saints star Nicky Clark – who was red-carded.
Rangers went on to win 2-0 thanks to goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the referee was right – I’ve played this several times.
“I can understand why VAR has come in. From their angle, it doesn’t look so good because of the speed. But the player has made a challenge for the ball and not the man.
“I’m happy with the referee for going to the monitor and sticking with his decision.
“He’s got a long career behind him and it’s good to see him taking a stand like that.
“Despite the criticism he might take, I think he got both of the red card decisions spot on.
“It’s a big benchmark to put down in Scottish football and its exactly how VAR should operate. We need more of that in England.”
In other news, pundit claims Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers career is “gone” after what he saw.