Six elite referees have unanimously agreed that Abdallah Sima’s goal for Rangers was correctly disallowed in their match against Celtic. Former Scottish referee Bobby Madden shared his perspective on the incident, stating that the goal was rightfully ruled out following an on-field review by VAR.
During the Scottish Cup final, James Tavernier delivered a set-piece that led to a scramble in the Celtic defense, with Sima eventually bundling the ball over the line. However, replays indicated that Nico Raskin may have pushed Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart. This prompted VAR to ask referee John Beaton to re-examine the incident, leading to the goal being disallowed.
Madden explained that the push on Hart was significant and warranted the goal’s disallowance. He noted that such infractions are often difficult to spot live, which is precisely why VAR was implemented. Despite discussions about a stronger push earlier in the game that went unpunished, Madden emphasized that two wrongs do not make a right, and the clear push on Hart had to be addressed by VAR.
Some argued that Raskin was fouled by Greg Taylor before pushing Hart, but Madden dismissed this, stating that minor holding happens frequently during set pieces and isn’t always punishable. He pointed out that the ball wasn’t in play during the initial contact, making it irrelevant. Madden revealed that six elite European referees he consulted all agreed that the push on Hart constituted a foul, justifying the disallowed goal.
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