There are rare occasions when I struggle with the idea of dredging up past incidents to make a point. Officiating is a tough job, football moves quickly, and sometimes dwelling on the past can feel unproductive. However, the inconsistencies in Scottish football’s rule application and VAR’s enforcement have once again come to light.
Back in April, Celtic’s Yang Hyun-jun was shown a red card after VAR intervened in a high boot incident at Tynecastle. Despite the lack of actual contact and the circumstances of the play, Yang was sent off based on IFAB guidelines for “serious foul play.” On the other hand, at Ibrox this past Sunday, Rangers’ Connor Barron engaged in a similar dangerous play with no consequence from the referees or VAR.
The issue here is not just about technicalities, but about fairness. The lack of consistency in applying rules, especially when it comes to player safety, is troubling. For fans, the contrast between Yang’s red card and Barron’s no action raises concerns about the integrity of officiating.
With Willie Collum’s new transparency initiative, fans would appreciate an explanation as to why Yang was punished while Barron was not. Consistent application of the rules is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the officiating system and ensuring the safety of players on the field.
