Dermot Gallagher analyses the Celtic, Rangers, Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool controversies.

Dermot Gallagher, Stephen Warnock, and Sue Smith evaluate the disputed situations from the weekend’s football; penalties and red cards are judged as Celtic and Rangers both suffer defeat; Liverpool’s late winner after an erroneous drop ball is also examined.

Dermot Gallagher, a former Premier League referee, breaks down the key moments from this weekend’s Scottish Premiership, Premier League, and WSL games…

‘Iwata handball is tough, but officials are consistent.’

Hearts were granted a penalty against Celtic after a long VAR review. The ball fell on Tomoki Iwata’s arm as he attempted to head it out of his box.

DERMOT SAYS: “I think it’s harsh, but we’ve seen it in the Scottish league all season.” The one thing they have consistently done is penalize any occurrence like that. Harsh and unfortunate, but to their credit, every single one like that has been provided.”

‘The Celtic penalty should have been a Hearts free kick!’

Celtic were given a penalty for Alex Cochrane’s challenge on Hyun-Jun Yang.

DERMOT SAYS: “Very harsh.” I assumed it was a foul going the opposite way. Cochrane was in front, therefore I don’t understand how he committed a foul. “The Celtic player goes to Cochrane.”

Celtic player Hyun-Jun Yang was sent off for a high boot on Alex Cochrane.

DERMOT: “I believe the player was unlucky, but it was a red card.” He has no idea where the guy is, and he is honestly trying for the ball, yet catching a player in the face with your studs will result in a red card.

‘Casey deserved red for the McCausland tackle.’

Dermot evaluates Rangers’ penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Motherwell, and the decision not to send Dany Casey out at Ibrox.

Rangers were disappointed when Motherwell’s Dan Casey did not receive a card for a challenge on Ross McCausland, which resulted in his removal from the match.

DERMOT: “I’m not sure why [there’s been no punishment].” I believe it is a red card. The speed with which he approaches is not a good tackle.”

Stephen Warnock says, “It’s a poor tackle.”

SUE SMITH: “It must be a red card.” It’s late and aggressive.”

“Tierney got the drop ball wrong, but why didn’t officials help him?”

Watch referee Paul Tierney erroneously award Liverpool an uncontested drop ball after he paused play for a head injury, despite Nottingham Forest controlling the ball.

Referee Paul Tierney halted play due to a possible head injury to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, leaving Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi in control. The game resumes with an unopposed drop ball for Liverpool. They score a winning goal in the 99th minute, less than two minutes later.

DERMOT: “[Caoimhin] Kelleher collides with Konate and knocks him down.” If the referee pauses play at that point, the ball goes to Kelleher. He decides not to. The legislation has changed [when the ball exits the penalty area and the referee pauses play].

“The ball must then be surrendered to the team in control of it [Forest] and dropped at the location where it was stopped. The referee made a mistake by dropping the ball within the penalty area instead of outside.

“What transpired later was a red herring because the goal was scored one minute and 50 seconds earlier. I don’t understand how that is directly related to Liverpool scoring the goal.

“Because it did not result in a goal, the VAR cannot intervene. It is also from a restart. They don’t watch restarts; it’s goals and red cards…

“Tierney will be beating himself up over it while also wondering, ‘Why didn’t one of my colleagues say anything?'” As soon as the ball falls dead, you should remind your teammates, “Remember to tell me how to restart the game.” It is fundamental refereeing.”

Gary Neville admits it was a mistake by referee Paul Tierney to allow Liverpool an uncontested drop ball after defender Ibrahima Konate went down hurt, but believes Nottingham Forest had plenty of time to prevent Darwin Nunez’s late winner.

Stephen Warnock stated, “He’s got it wrong.” There is a lot to do before the objective, but it is a bad decision.

“You need to read the players. Look at the Forest players and wonder, ‘Why are they whining so much?’

“If I’m a referee, I think, ‘What are you all shouting at me for?'” Have a quiet word; what is the problem? Then you may consult with your officials and get it correct.

“It’s the heat of the moment, it’s not the easiest task.”

Sue Smith stated, “It’s an error, and you can understand Forest’s frustrations – they’ve had a lot go against them.” However, they did had several opportunities to clear the ball. “Why didn’t the other officials help him?”

‘Weak’: no foul on Rashford before Foden’s goal.

Dermot examines Kyle Walker’s charge on Marcus Rashford before Phil Foden’s equalizer in Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Manchester United claimed Marcus Rashford was fouled by Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, leading to Phil Foden’s equalizer.

DERMOT SAYS: “The referee is close and there is no foul.” If VAR overturned the ref there, it is considered re-refereeing. I did not believe that was a foul. “It is also too far back.”

Stephen Warnock stated: “I didn’t think that was a foul. Rashford’s performance seemed feeble to me.”

‘Awesome tackle!’ – Ederson escapes a Garnacho foul.

In an incident involving Alejandro Garnacho and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, no penalty was awarded.

DERMOT SAYS: “A good tackle for me.” He needs to get the ball or he will face a penalty and sentence.”

Sue Smith says, “Great challenge!”

‘Not nice’: Kluivert gets away with Cullen red.

FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Burnley’s Premier League encounter versus Bournemouth.

Bournemouth winger Justin Kluivert received a yellow card for a tackle on Burnley’s Josh Cullen. But, should it have been red?

DERMOT SAYS: “He received a yellow card earlier in the season, so the referees are consistent.” Foot on foot, yellow card. Red card, further up the leg. “That was not a nice tackle.”

‘Cullen goal is rightfully called out.’

Burnley believed Josh Cullen had scored, but the goal was ruled off due to Jacob Bruun Larsen’s foul on Adam Smith in the build-up.

DERMOT: “I think there’s force in this one. Climbs on his back.” “I anticipated a foul.

Stephen Warnock says, “Foul.”

Sue Smith says, “I’m not sure if this is. There are no hands in his back; he is attempting to reach for the ball.”

‘Zouma was appropriately penalized for handball.’

FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Everton’s Premier League meeting with West Ham.

Everton received their first penalty of the season against West Ham for handball on Kurt Zouma.

DERMOT: “Yes, arm out.” VAR sees it and sends him to the screen.

Sue Smith says, “He moves his arm to the ball.” “Everton’s first pen was missed!”

Ref Watch: Celtic, Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool controversy analysed by Dermot Gallagher