Barry Ferguson has slammed a “lack of consistency” from referees after Alistair Johnston’s tackle on Mikey Moore.
In Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers, many of an Ibrox persuasion have bemoaned the tackle, saying that VAR should’ve intervened and given Johnston a red card.
In the end, Martin O’Neill’s men confirmed that Danny Rohl’s side will finish the season in third place, with no chance of Champions League football.
Speaking about the incident, Ferguson was adamant.
Should Scotland employ foreign referees to officiate Celtic v Rangers games? 😯🤔🤨
Give us your thoughts below…👇
Barry Ferguson reacts to Alistair Johnston tackle in Celtic vs Rangers: ‘I thought it was a red card’
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show: Ferguson said: “I thought it was a red card. Yes.
“When it was slowed down, I think it was the previous week… similar, the Hibs player (Jamie McGrath) got sent off against Alistair Johnston.
READ MORE: St Johnstone announce U-turn on Celtic allocation after fan ‘displeasure’
“So for me, yep. A lack of consistency. Look, I’m not saying it would’ve changed the game — who knows?
“But when I was watching it, I thought to myself, when I seen it slowed down, it was a red card.”
The conversation had been sparked by a Rangers-supporting caller claiming that VAR has “decided the title” in Scotland.
Weighing in, ex-Hoops vice captain Charlie Mulgrew said: “I don’t think VAR’s decided the title. I think, if you go through the season, there’s been bad decisions. There’s no doubt about that.
“We’ve said on here multiple times about the referee inconsistency. A different referee referees that game, he maybe makes different decisions. I think that’s the problem.
“I mean, I think you can go through numerous times where Celtic, Rangers and Hearts have benefitted, and [when] it’s went against the three teams as well.
“So I don’t think you can say that VAR’s decided the title. I think it’s not been great this year, the consistency’s definitely not been there. Decisions have been baffling at times.”
Celtic fans, what was your immediate reaction when you saw John Beaton and Andrew Dallas named for Fir Park?
Celtic’s experiences with VAR this season
By this point, there is no club that hasn’t been stung by a VAR error, but Celtic have had a fair few blows this season.
In their first 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road earlier in the season, the game was completely changed by a penalty given for an innocuous handball by Liam Scales… a controversial call to say the least.
On the European stage, Kelechi Iheanacho’s disallowed goal against Braga was easily one of the most baffling interventions in Europe this season.
Most recently, a Joe Newell goal stood despite a clear handball offence being revealed by replays.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
