Rangers ask SFA to release VAR audio after being denied penalty
Rangers have asked the Scottish FA to release the audio recording of a decision not to award the team a penalty during their 2-1 defeat to Celtic.
Alistair Johnston appeared to handle the ball during the first-half of their clash at Celtic Park while challenging Abdallah Sima.
A goal kick was awarded by referee Nick Walsh and was not advised to review the incident by VAR Willie Collum.
Sky Sports, who were broadcasting the fixture, revealed later in the match the reason for the penalty not being given was because Abdallah Sima was offside in the buildup.
However, Ibrox boss Philippe Clement questioned the lack of gesture from the referee signalling that at the time.
The club are now seeking clarity over the incident and have contacted the Scotish FA.
A Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers have asked the Scottish FA to make the VAR audio available to the club to understand why no penalty was awarded despite a clear handball by Celtic’s Alastair Johnston.
“The club is keen to understand the process that led to that decision being made as it was not made public at the time, nor communicated to our team.
“We also understand Sky, as the league’s official broadcaster, is deeply unhappy and confused with the situation. Their panel spent half-time in agreement Rangers should have been awarded a penalty, unaware of any offside check. Again, this only surfaced in the second half.
“Rangers remains advocates of VAR, but there must be significantly more transparency for it to be successful in Scotland.”
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