Exclusive: Hackett stunned by Willie Collum after Nick Walsh’s Rangers ‘slap’ audio
Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande was fortunate to see the red card he was shown for a slap in his side’s win over Dundee United overturned, Keith Hackett has insisted.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Scottish FA referees chief Willie Collum may need to hold talks with law makers IFAB over their interpretation of the incident.
Diomande was shown a straight red card in the final moments of the ‘Gers’ 3-1 win at Tannadice Park late last month, after appearing to slap Dundee United defender Kevin Holt.
Rangers midfielder Diomande quickly had that sending off overturned on appeal, although Hackett believes that decision is one that Scottish officials will need to consider again after the latest update.
Keith Hackett reacts to Rangers red card audio
In the latest episode of the Scottish FA’s VAR decision review show, the audio communication between officials was revealed.
It emerged that during those conversations, the two VAR officials, including Don Robertson, had deemed the contact made by Diomande on Holt was “negligible”, and should have been a yellow card.
But after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor during the game, referee Nick Walsh chose to stick with his original decision to send off the Rangers midfielder.
Collum though confirmed in the show that the review panel agreed with the VAR officials that the contact was “negligible”, which led to the red card being overturned.
Giving his reaction to that, Hackett told Football Insider: “The law states that striking or attempting to strike is a red card offence. Players are expected to play with their feet.
“The fact that someone has decided that a slap is not a striking offence is setting a dangerous precedent.
“The referee close to the incident was able to judge the force carried out by the offending player. VAR can advise not instruct and their job should be over once they have asked the referee to go to the monitor.
“The fact that the appeal by the player was one is surprising when the law is taken into account. In Scotland if you now slap an opponent in the face you will only receive a yellow.
“I suggest that the Scottish FA should discuss with the IFAB this incident to seek clarification if Willie Collum’s interpretation and that of the appeals panel is the correct one.”
That incident was not the only contentious one in that game, with Rangers also seeing a penalty appeal for handball against Declan Gallagher turned down.
Mohamed Diomande fortunate over key refereeing decisions
This is not the only time recently that the Light Blues midfielder has found himself scrutinised for avoiding full punishment from the officials.
Many felt the Rangers man Diomande was lucky not to be sent off vs Hibs for a studs-up challenge on Nicky Cadden in their draw in early January.
Even so, he has remained part of the starting lineup for Philippe Clement’s side in the two games they have played since his red card against Dundee United was overturned.