Celtic supporters have had plenty to complain about regarding VAR penalty decisions this season, but it appears the video referee got one right at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers.
Rangers players and supporters were convinced they should have had a penalty after Auston Trusty blocked a Youssef Chermiti shot with his arm inside the box. The Ibrox crowd reacted with fury, but VAR reviewed the incident and Robertson waved play on.
Former Rangers player Scott Arfield, working as a pundit on Premier Sports, offered a calm and measured assessment that Celtic fans will find themselves agreeing with. He was unequivocal in his support for the decision, saying that if that constituted a penalty then the game was in serious trouble. His reasoning was the same as that offered by Bobby Madden: Trusty could do nothing about it, his arm was in a natural position close to his body, and had it been the other arm, which was raised and away from his side, the conversation would have been very different. As it was, the correct call was made.
It is refreshing to hear a former Rangers player turned pundit speak plainly about a decision that did not go his former club’s way, without reaching for controversy where none existed.
The position of Trusty’s arm was the crucial detail. Had it been extended away from his body, the outcome of the review would almost certainly have been different. Because it was tucked in, there was simply no basis for awarding a penalty.
Celtic supporters will be well aware of how many times this season VAR decisions on handball have gone against the club at critical moments. On this occasion, at least, the correct outcome was reached and those responsible deserve credit for it.