What's happened
Rangers were denied a crucial penalty in the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic, leading to widespread criticism of VAR decisions. The Scottish FA acknowledged the error, stating that a foul occurred inside the box but was incorrectly ruled as outside. This incident has raised concerns about officiating standards in Scottish football.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Matthew Elder in The Scotsman, Willie Collum, head of refereeing at the Scottish FA, described the failure to award a penalty as 'unacceptable.' He stated, 'It's a really, really poor decision. The VAR team know that. Everybody in refereeing knows it.' This sentiment was echoed by Rangers, who noted that such errors during significant matches are damaging to the sport's credibility. The Independent reported that Collum emphasized the need for lessons learned from this incident, indicating a push for improvement in officiating standards. Meanwhile, Ian Maxwell, the SFA chief executive, acknowledged that while VAR has improved decision-making, errors will still occur, stating, 'There will never be a point when there isn’t a contentious decision.'
How we got here
The controversy arose during the Premier Sports Cup final on December 15, 2024, when Rangers faced Celtic. The match ended in a 3-3 draw, with Celtic winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout. A key moment was a foul by Celtic's Liam Scales on Rangers' Vaclav Cerny, which VAR failed to correctly assess.
Common question
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What Happened in the Celtic vs Rangers Cup Final?
The Celtic vs Rangers cup final was a thrilling encounter that ended in a dramatic penalty shootout. Fans are buzzing with questions about the key moments, VAR decisions, and the implications of this match for both teams. Here’s a breakdown of the most pressing questions surrounding this epic showdown.
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What Happened During the VAR Incident in the Cup Final?
The recent VAR controversy in the Premier Sports Cup final has raised numerous questions among fans and officials alike. With a contentious decision denying Rangers a penalty, the implications of this incident extend beyond the match itself, affecting trust in officiating and the future of VAR in football. Here are some key questions and answers surrounding this significant event.
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What Are the Major News Stories of December 2024?
December 2024 has been a month filled with significant news events that have captured global attention. From ongoing conflicts in the Middle East to groundbreaking legal cases and exciting developments in the automotive industry, these stories are interconnected and reflect broader societal trends. Here’s a closer look at the key headlines and what they mean for the future.
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What Happened in the Rangers vs Celtic VAR Controversy?
The recent VAR controversy during the Premier Sports Cup final between Rangers and Celtic has sparked significant debate among fans and officials alike. With a crucial penalty decision being overturned, many are left questioning the reliability of VAR in Scottish football. Below, we explore the details of the incident, the reactions from the Scottish FA, and the broader implications for officiating standards in the sport.
More on these topics
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The Celtic Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Glasgow, which plays in the Scottish Premiership. The club was founded in 1887 with the purpose of alleviating poverty in the immigrant Irish population in the East End of Glasgow.
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Hampden Park is a football stadium in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, Scotland. The 51,866-capacity venue serves as the national stadium of football in Scotland.
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William Collum is a Scottish football referee.
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Philippe Clement is a Belgian professional football coach and former player who is currently managing Club Brugge in the Belgian First Division A. Born in Antwerp, he also played a defensive midfielder. His former clubs include Beerschot, Genk, Coventry C
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Liam Scales is an Irish professional footballer who plays for Celtic, as a defender.