“Shambolic, that’s unacceptable because….”- Former refs slam VAR audio from Hearts goal allowed v Rangers

Former Referees Criticize VAR Audio from Rangers vs Hearts Match

Two former referees have condemned the recently released VAR audio surrounding the decision to allow Lawrence Shankland’s goal for Hearts against Rangers.

The striker opened the scoring in Hearts’ 2–0 victory at Ibrox following a neat move involving Claudio Braga.

However, there appeared to be a handball by Shankland in the buildup, with the player himself seen suggesting to teammates that the goal might be disallowed.

Despite that, the goal stood, and Shankland later added a second from a rebound after Jack Butland saved his penalty.

Refereeing chief Willie Collum has since admitted that the decision to award the first goal was incorrect.

The conversation between match referee Steven McLean and VAR official Greg Aitken was made public, revealing Aitken describing the handball as “completely accidental,” while McLean stated he did not believe it was a “deliberate movement.”

Former officials Steve Conroy and Des Roache sharply criticized the exchange on the X account of their Ref’s View podcast.

They wrote:

“We’ll do a full review of ‘Willievision’ on our podcast next week, but this can’t wait.
‘Completely accidental’ is fairly obvious, but it’s irrelevant to this decision. The VAR audio here is among the worst we’ve heard — it sounds shambolic.”

On Sky Sports’ Scottish Football VAR Review Show, Collum clarified his stance:

“This is clearly in the attacking phase of play and should have been pulled back.
I don’t think it’s a deliberate handball, and I agree with VAR’s assessment on that point.

However, we need to discuss whether it’s a punishable handball.
Shankland’s arm is too far away from his body, making this a punishable offence.

Even though it’s a deflection, there’s enough contact for it to be given.
Because this occurred in the attacking phase of play, VAR should have referred the referee to the monitor. In our view, the goal should have been disallowed for a punishable handball.”