Why Hearts were denied Celtic penalty as VAR intervention explained—Rogers’ verdict on two flashpoints
Despite Hoops centre-back Liam Scales stopping Lawrence Shankland’s downward header from a set-piece in the first half, the Jambos weathered an early storm in Glasgow’s east end and were thought to have been given an opportunity to open the score. Following Whistler Steven’s initial direct point, a VAR review concluded that the decision needed to be changed.
The true rationale for the decision was not immediately apparent, and the BBC Radio Scotland commentators questioned whether the ball had impacted Shankland’s arm first. Television replays, however, disproved that, and before the half ended, lead analyst Liam McLeod disclosed the solution.
“At first, the referee believed the defender’s arm was outstretched, and the ball had travelled far enough to be considered a handball,” he said. Examining the arm revealed that it had struck it at a height too high to be a handball, that it had not gone far enough, and that the arm was in the correct position. For this reason, Colin Stevens’ initial judgement to fine Hearts was overturned.
Pundit Michael Stewart concurred when asked if the right choice was made. Yes, he admitted. Liam’s explanations are apparently positive since they support our views and ideas, and it is encouraging to see referees taking that into account. That call, in my opinion, was the proper one.
When Steven signalled play to continue after James Penrice had similarly stopped Nicolas Kuhn’s cross from close range, VAR intervened once more. But when he saw the ball hit the Hearts left-back’s arm and saw the replay on the pitchside monitor, he pointed to the exact location.
Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant that the referees correctly called TWO penalties. “The officials were correct, by the rule, to overturn the Hearts penalty award,” he said. Conversely, there will be a penalty if you have your arms raised and the ball strikes you.
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