Bobby Madden, a former top referee, took a closer look at four significant decisions made during the opening weekend of the Premiership, identifying Celtic’s failed penalty appeal against Kilmarnock as one of the ‘mistakes’ that stood out. The return of the Premiership brought its usual dose of controversial VAR, handball, and penalty incidents, prompting Madden to share his insights and opinions on his Instagram page. He expressed his frustration with the lack of transparency from the SFA in communicating the new rules and regulations, particularly pertaining to handball decisions.
One of the key incidents Madden discussed was Connor Barron’s alleged handball in the game between Hearts and Rangers, as well as Luke Graham’s similar case in the Dundee derby. Both instances did not result in penalties, raising questions about the consistency and application of the new relaxed handball rules set out by UEFA. Madden emphasized the need for clearer communication and guidance from the SFA to avoid confusion among fans and officials alike.
Madden touched on the lack of public announcement regarding the change in regulations and shared his disappointment at the decision not to award Celtic a penalty after Kyogo was brought down by Robby McCrorie in the match against Kilmarnock. He pointed out that the lack of transparency and uncertainty surrounding the decision-making process continues to be a pressing issue for referees and fans in the Premiership.
In conclusion, Madden highlighted the importance of maintaining a standard of consistency in decision-making and called for better sharing of information to ensure greater clarity and understanding for all stakeholders involved in the game. The ongoing debate surrounding VAR, handball, and penalty incidents underscores the need for transparency and accountability in officiating decisions within the Premiership.
