Former SFA whistler Stuart Dougal has claimed that “protocols” prevented VAR overturning Rangers’ disallowed goal in the defeat to Celtic.
The Ibrox side wrote to the SFA in the wake of the 3-2 defeat to demand an explanation after Alfredo Morelos’ goal was incorrectly ruled out following a clash with Alistair Johnston.
Flailing right-back Johnston dived to the ground amid a tussle with the Colombian who forced the ball into the back of the net in a moment that would’ve put Rangers 1-0 up.
Obviously, this naturally turned the tide of the contest as the Celtic support – who’d somehow been given the freedom of their stadium heading into the game – were buoyed by the decision.
Stuart Dougal in Rangers Celtic VAR claims
Since then there have been Kevin Clancy fall-outs aplenty but now Stuart Dougal has been giving his verdict on the Rangers and Celtic VAR calls.
The whistler claims that whilst Clancy might’ve got the call wrong, VAR couldn’t intervene because it’s not a “clear and obvious” error even it’s pretty “clear and obvious” to everyone else.
“Kevin’s [Clancy] called it as he’s seen it,” Stuart Dougal told BBC Sport.
“The problem, if you like, for certain factions is that VAR can’t intervene here.
“It’s not seen as a clear and obvious error. If there is something much more blatant, if there is no contact whatsoever, then VAR could step in and ask the referee to have a look at it again.
“Where they’re looking at that clip and it’s 50/50, 60/40, depending on which side of the fence you’re on.
“VAR, under the current protocols, can’t get involved.”
Rangers eventually went on to lose the game 3-2 and whilst Stuart Dougal might deflect the decision onto VAR protocols anyone with half a brain can see the Celtic player makes a meal of it.
Everything seemed to transpire against Rangers in the match but from the outside looking in that’s exactly how Celtic wanted it with dirty Scottish football politicking winning the day.
Rangers fans were locked out of the stadium, Celtic were given their preferred whistler for the game and somehow Police Scotland sanctioned the game on a Saturday.
