The VAR fallout of Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup win over Rangers continues this week as SFA Head of Referees Willie Collum makes his monthly appearance.
Collum takes part in The VAR Review show where the SFA try and offer some transparency on controversial officiating decisions, and this month, Celtic’s win over Rangers takes centre stage.
There were a number of challenges that Collum had to pore over this edition which included Celtic’s Auston Trusty’s grievous bodily harm incident on Rangers’ Jack Butland.
Of course, I jest, but you all understand what we mean. However, it was Derek Cornelius’ tackle on Celtic striker Johnny Kenny that head of referees was speaking about.
Willie Collum is ‘very content’ about tackle on Celtic’s Johnny Kenny
Kenny was subject to what looked like an ankle-high challenge from the Rangers defender and here, Collum explains why he and his officiating team were happy that it was a yellow card offence.
Collum told The VAR Review, “When the Rangers player enters into the challenge, there could be a case for serious foul play.
“But when he arrives at the challenge, it’s more reckless because the contact is at the side of the boot, it’s low.
“The fact the contact is on the side of the boot makes this reckless for us. We’re very content this is yellow.”
Johnny Kenny is earning plaudits for his Celtic form
Kenny has been having a great time in the Celtic starting XI under interim boss, Martin O’Neill.
As well as scoring four goals in four games, Kenny earned an Ireland call-up after Heimer Hallgrimsson gave the Celtic striker a call.
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has also admitted that he’s changed his mind on the Celtic striker after previously stating he would never make it at Parkhead.
At just 22, Kenny has time on his side to develop into an effective and consistent striker at Celtic.
And as Martin O’Neill has proven, if Celtic’s youngsters are given an opportunity, they might well surprise you.
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