Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers expressed his frustration with the officials he deemed “incompetent” during his team’s loss to Hearts. An independent review highlighted two critical errors made by the referees, excluding the controversial red card incident involving Yang Hyun-jun at Tynecastle.
Rodgers faced disciplinary action from the SFA for his strong criticism of the match officials, particularly VAR official John Beaton. The pivotal moment came when Yang’s yellow card for a high tackle on Alex Cochrane was upgraded to a red after video review, triggering Rodgers’ outrage.
Although the Yang incident was not among the ten scrutinized by the latest VAR Independent Review Panel, a total of 26 costly errors were uncovered throughout the season. Noteworthy cases included two controversial decisions during the Celtic-Hearts clash, where both teams benefited from penalty calls.
Rangers also found themselves under scrutiny for two incidents, with a wrongful red card shown to Dujon Sterling and a questionable penalty awarded to Kilmarnock. Meanwhile, St Mirren suffered the most from incorrect decisions, facing three unfavorable rulings.
The review panel summarized a series of errors, outlining instances where VAR interventions did not result in the accurate outcomes. The list exposed flaws in officiating across various matches, leading to heightened scrutiny on the consistency and accuracy of refereeing decisions within the league.
Hearts versus Celtic on March 3, 2024: The on-field decision was accurate, and no penalty should have been given to Hearts. The handball call was incorrect.
In the match between Motherwell and Aberdeen on April 16, 2024: VAR should have suggested an on-field review. Motherwell should have been awarded a penalty for handball.
Hibs playing against St Johnstone on April 6, 2024: VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Hibs should have received a penalty for a foul committed by the St Johnstone goalkeeper.
When St Mirren faced Hearts on April 6, 2024: While VAR intervened correctly, a penalty should have been awarded to St Mirren.