Leaked VAR Audio Reveals Why John Beaton Ignored ‘Blatant’ Penalty in Rangers vs Livingston Handball Dispute

ago 3 days
Leaked VAR Audio Reveals Why John Beaton Ignored ‘Blatant’ Penalty in Rangers vs Livingston Handball Dispute

The recent match between Rangers and Livingston at Ibrox has sparked controversy following a handball incident involving Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez. Despite appeals for a penalty after Fernandez blocked a shot from Tete Yengi, referee Ross Hardie did not receive guidance to review the play through VAR.

VAR Controversy Explained

Livingston’s assistant manager, Marvin Bartley, provided insights into the VAR guidance given to the officials during the match. As the game progressed, Fernandez’s arm was raised as he intercepted the shot, leading to strong appeals from Livingston players.

Incident Details

  • Date: The match took place recently at Ibrox Stadium.
  • Key Players: Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers) and Tete Yengi (Livingston).
  • Type of Incident: Handball appeal for a potential penalty.

Bartley expressed his disbelief at the lack of VAR intervention. He noted how players and fans alike perceived the incident as a clear handball. According to him, the guidance received was that Fernandez’s arm position was deemed natural and that he was in close proximity when the shot was taken.

Implications of the VAR Decision

Bartley stated, “Many football fans will agree it’s a handball.” He raised questions about the use of VAR in Scottish football, suggesting that officials are under intense pressure, leading to erroneous decisions. He remarked on the inconsistency that various clubs are facing when such critical calls are overlooked.

Concerns Raised

  • Bartley questioned the effectiveness of VAR, calling it “pointless” given the number of mistakes made.
  • He emphasized that continued errors could undermine the integrity of the league.
  • Bartley noted that mistakes like this occur too frequently across matches in the league, raising concerns about their resolution.

This incident has ignited discussions about the efficiency of VAR in Scottish football, highlighting a need for improvement. Clubs have invested significantly in the technology, expecting it to enhance the game. As Bartley pointed out, players deserve a fair outcome, and current VAR practices are not meeting those expectations.