Pundit calls out 'terrible VAR' over 'wild' Celtic vs Rangers decision

Alistair Johnston was booked for a foul on Mikey Moore <i>(Image: Sky Sports)</i>
Alistair Johnston was booked for a foul on Mikey Moore (Image: Sky Sports)
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Michael Stewart has called out "terrible VAR" after Alistair Johnston escaped a red card for a foul on Mikey Moore.

The Celtic defender was cautioned after sliding into a tackle on the Rangers winger. Replays of the incident showed contact on Moore's ankle in the follow-through.

For Stewart, it was "wild" that John Beaton on VAR did not intervene over the incident and recommend a pitchside review to referee Nick Walsh.

The pundit posted on X, formerly Twitter: "A good many people feared VAR/officiating would have a huge part to play in the title race.

"Hopefully it isn’t decisive but deary me. How the VAR can look at the replays and not see a red card has occurred is wild.

"To hear some people say the follow through doesn’t matter is like going back 20 years.

"Couldn’t believe what I heard on commentary “where’s he meant to put his foot?”

"You’re not allowed to jump into a tackle and have a follow through like that plain and simple. Terrible VAR!"


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Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was adamant a red card should have been shown after watching back a replay of the incident.

"100 percent," Boyd said when asked if there should have been a VAR check. "When you see it like that there (from the different angle).

"He hits him above the ankle. It's a red card all day long."

Boyd's thoughts on the card were shared by fellow pundit James McFadden who acknowledged that Johnston was "very fortunate" to avoid an early shower.

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