Sport nationFormer Referee Des Roache Defends VAR Decisions in Celtic-Aberdeen Clash
October 21, 2024
The Scottish Premiership title race heated up over the weekend, with Celtic and Aberdeen now six points ahead of Rangers. Former SFA Grade One referee Des Roache analyzed two contentious VAR decisions from Celtic’s draw with Aberdeen.
Duk’s Disallowed Goal
Roache backed the decision to disallow Duk’s goal due to handball, calling criticism of Celtic and VAR “pathetic.”
“VAR hasn’t kept Celtic at the top; the laws of the game and their application have.” – Des Roache
Luke McCowan Penalty Decision
Roache praised referee Nick Walsh’s call on McCowan’s trip, labeling it “fantastic.”
“It’s not where you land, it’s where it started… That’s a fantastic shout.” – Des Roache
Roache’s Verdict
Roache slammed claims that VAR favors Celtic, emphasizing the importance of objective refereeing.
“To say otherwise is frankly, quite pathetic.” – Des Roache
Reactions and Analysis
Experts and fans praised Walsh’s decisions:
“Nick Walsh got both calls spot on.” – Former referee, Charlie Richmond
“Des Roache’s analysis was spot on.” – Celtic fan, @CelticFCFan1
Controversy and Criticisms
Some argued that VAR favors Celtic:
“VAR always seems to go Celtic’s way.” – Rangers fan, @RangersFCFan
SFA’s VAR Review
The Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) upcoming VAR Review will examine these decisions, providing insight into the match officials’ thought process.
Key Points
- Celtic and Aberdeen are six points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
- Des Roache defended VAR decisions in Celtic’s draw with Aberdeen.
- Roache praised referee Nick Walsh’s calls on Duk’s handball goal and McCowan’s trip.
- The SFA’s VAR Review will analyze these decisions next month.
Sources
- Behind the Whistles podcast
- GRV Media Ltd.
- Scottish Premiership
- SFA
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