Livingston boss David Martindale says VAR ‘has to change’ after his side are denied ‘stonewall’ penalty at Ibrox

Livingston boss David Martindale says VAR ‘has to change’ after his side are denied ‘stonewall’ penalty at Ibrox

David Martindale launched a fierce criticism of VAR after his Livingston side were denied what he described as a “clear penalty” during their defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.

With the score level at 1–1 in the first half—after Tete Yengi cancelled out Manny Fernandez’s opener—Fernandez appeared to handle a shot from Yengi inside the box. Referee Ross Hardie did not award a penalty, with reports later suggesting that the SFA deemed the incident to result from “close proximity” and the defender’s hand being in a “natural position.” Rangers would eventually secure a 2–1 victory thanks to Mohamed Diomande’s late goal, which was granted following a VAR review after an initial offside flag.

Martindale insisted that VAR is wreaking havoc across the league, claiming officials don’t understand the damage questionable decisions inflict on teams and managers.

“I can’t believe that’s not a penalty,” he fumed. “Part of me can believe we don’t get it, but it’s a stonewall penalty.
VAR can’t keep going on like this. I don’t understand why it’s not given, and it’s not just me—there’s a manager every week complaining about VAR and obvious decisions.
You get an apology afterwards, but that doesn’t help on Monday morning, it doesn’t help my squad, and it doesn’t get us a point or three points.”

He argued that decision-makers fail to understand the stakes involved.

“They’re flippant. ‘We got it wrong. Sorry.’ Then it’s another week and another three mistakes.
We cannot keep going like this. Something has to change—and quickly.”

Martindale reviewed the handball incident and strongly rejected the reasoning reported by the SFA.

“He clearly moves towards the ball,” he insisted. “If the ball doesn’t hit his arm, it’s going in. I don’t accept the ‘natural position’ claim.”

When asked if he was shocked by the decision, he replied:

“Honestly, no. The referee wasn’t even asked to look at the monitor. That shouldn’t be normal, but I’m genuinely not surprised.”

He added that it often feels like smaller clubs don’t get the same treatment.

“It feels like ‘wee club syndrome’ sometimes. I don’t want to feel that way, but I do.
We should be further along with VAR. It’s not just me complaining—it’s every manager.”

Martindale said Hardie did not offer clarification during the match.

“He basically told me to get away or I’d get a red card.
There were two or three key moments that went against us. The biggest one was the penalty call—it changes the game.
If we go 2–1 up, Rangers probably come under pressure from their fans, and it gives my players belief.”

The Livingston boss also criticised a lack of consistency, saying his goalkeeper was booked for time-wasting while Rangers’ Jack Butland was not treated the same way.

Rohl calls it a “dirty win”

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl described the result—his fourth straight league victory—as a gritty performance.

“Maybe a few weeks ago we don’t win this game,” he said. “I spoke in the press conference about a dirty win, and that’s exactly what it was.

Rohl said Rangers started well but drifted out of intensity.

“After the first ten minutes we felt comfortable and slowed down. Our passing wasn’t quick enough, our counter-pressing lost intensity, and we didn’t defend aggressively for their goal—it was a simple long ball.”

Despite acknowledging the flaws, he focused on the momentum.

“We know we need to improve, but it’s four wins in a row. If you offered me that four weeks ago, I’d take it.”