The VAR Review Show’s Gordon Duncan shares what referees are ‘big on’ after Celtic vs Rangers controversies

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The Celtic vs Rangers Premier Sports Cup semi-final is still hogging the headlines this week despite big Europa League ties coming up.

Celtic’s win over Rangers has been overshadowed by some controversial refereeing calls that have caused a bit of a stir over Ibrox way.

The controversy surrounding Celtic’s Auston Trusty’s challenge on Jack Butland is the one decision that has caused the most headlines this week.

However, Celtic defender Anthony Ralston’s handball that conceded the penalty that allowed Rangers to equalise is still being talked about.

And The VAR Review’s Gordon Duncan has shared exactly why Nick Walsh awarded the spot kick despite Ralston’s arm being tucked under his body.

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Celtic defender Anthony Ralston told exactly why the handball vs Rangers was awarded

Duncan, who presents The VAR Review show with the SFA Head of Referees Willie Collum, has given a little bit of insider knowledge of how referees view that type of handball that Ralston conceded against Rangers at Hampden.

Speaking about Anthony Ralston’s handball, Duncan said on Superscoreboard, “I don’t think it’s a surprise that that’s not been given as a yellow.

“What I know refs are quite big on, and I think this is what’s done Anthony Ralston in, because we spoke a little bit yesterday about it, and I think some pundits were talking about a supporting arm, you know, if you slide in and stuff.

“The thing that they are quite big on is don’t chuck yourself at the ball like a goalie.”

What ex-FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg said about Anthony Ralston’s Celtic handball

There has been plenty of debate surrounding Ralston’s handball with many Celtic fans believing it should never have been awarded.

But what did Mark Clattenburg think about it? Here is a reminder of what the former FIFA referee said when 67 Hail Hail approached him after Celtic beat Rangers.

Clattenburg said, “Anthony Ralston blocks a Djeidi Gassama shot with his arm inside the penalty area.

“It’s a dive from Ralston and the ball comes off his elbow which is close to his side.

“However, the arm is stopping a shot and he has used his arm to block the ball as diving through the air which is not a natural way to play the ball.

“I can understand it will create debate which handball always creates but I can see why the referee has given it and once given, the VAR will not interfere.”