Rangers were left scratching their heads as a controversial penalty decision went against them in their match against Celtic. The focus of contention was Connor Goldson’s handball, which prompted referee John Beaton to review the incident on VAR.
The chaos unfolded when Daizen Maeda scored for Brendan Rodgers’ side after an unusual collision with a James Tavernier pass into the box. The Hoops were in control for the majority of the first half, but another Celtic attack led to a critical moment involving Goldson.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the ball had struck Goldson’s arm inside the box. According to IFAB laws, handball is defined as the intentional contact of the ball with the hand or arm, particularly when it makes the body unnaturally larger. This definition seemed to apply to Goldson’s handball, and the verdict should have been a penalty.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Celtic legend Chris Sutton was firm in his assessment, stating that the decision was clear-cut. Meanwhile, former referee Steve Conroy criticized the state of handball rules, expressing his frustration with the current interpretation of the law.
