VAR audio released for disallowed Rangers goal vs Aberdeen

Willie Collum has supported the decision to rule out Emmanuel Fernandez’s goal for Rangers in their match against Aberdeen.

The defender appeared to have given Rangers the lead at Pittodrie with a headed finish, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review for a foul on Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.

Collum explained that the correct call was made, outlining the criteria surrounding fouls on goalkeepers, particularly any contact that interferes with their ability to use their arms. He praised both the VAR process and the communication between officials.

Speaking on The VAR Review, Collum said:
“This is an excellent check and strong communication between the VAR team and the on-field referee. The referee’s initial decision to award the goal is understandable given the speed of play.

“However, the images clearly show that the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball with his arms is impacted. Once there is contact with the goalkeeper’s arms, that has to be considered a foul.

“Body contact itself is acceptable — two players competing in the air — but the crucial point is that the arm contact occurs before Fernandez heads the ball, which makes VAR intervention necessary.”

Collum also stressed that there was no suggestion of deliberate wrongdoing from the Rangers player, but intent is irrelevant under the laws when a goalkeeper’s arms are impeded.

“We don’t believe there was any intent to foul, but even when a player uses their arms to jump, any contact with the goalkeeper’s arms that has an impact must result in a foul and review,” he added.

VAR audio from the incident has since been released, revealing the discussion between officials that led to the goal being disallowed.

The referee initially confirmed the on-field decision as a goal, before VAR highlighted that Fernandez’s arm interfered with Mitov’s ability to catch the ball.

Following a recommendation for an on-field review, the referee was shown multiple angles demonstrating the arm contact prior to the header.

After reviewing the footage, the referee agreed that the contact occurred before the ball arrived and prevented the goalkeeper from playing it, resulting in the goal being ruled out.