Celtic supporters have been reaching their limit with VAR penalty decisions, but it seems the video assistant referee made the right call at Ibrox during today’s clash with Rangers.
The home crowd were loudly appealing for a penalty after a handball from Celtic defender Auston Trusty blocked an effort from Yousaf Chermiti.
While the Ibrox faithful demanded a spot kick, former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield provided a balanced perspective on the situation, and many Celtic fans are likely to find themselves agreeing with his view.
Arfield supports no Rangers penalty vs Celtic with fair VAR assessment
The incident left Celtic fans momentarily anxious, but VAR ruled out a penalty and Arfield backed the decision.
Arfield said on Premier Sports, “Absolutely correct decision. If that’s a penalty then we might as well pack up and go home.
“He can’t do anything there. If it was his other hand then it was raised then, of course there is a decision to make here.
“It’s the correct decision.”
Why Celtic supporters will agree with Arfield on the Rangers penalty appeal
It’s refreshing to hear a sensible take on a controversial penalty shout from a former Rangers player now working as a pundit, rather than someone trying to stir unnecessary debate.
Because Trusty’s arm was positioned close to his body, there was realistically no way a penalty should have been awarded.
Celtic have previously suffered from harsh handball decisions through VAR that have proved costly in the Scottish Premiership, so the officials deserve recognition for making the right judgement this time.