BRENDAN RODGERS has opened up for the first to deliver his verdict on the VAR penalty-kick controversy which has blown up after Celtic’s Premier Sports League Cup Final success at Hampden at the weekend.
The Irishman, now a veteran of explosive derby encounters against Rangers, had remained silent in the midst of the furore concerning an extra-time clash between Hoops defender Liam Scales and opposition forward Vaclav Cerny four minutes into extra-time with the game balanced at 3-3.
However, Rodgers, preparing for Sunday’s visit to Tannadice for the Premiership game against Dundee United, entered the row and came out on the side of the VAR officials – Alan Muir and Frank Connor – who are in direct line of fire with SFA referees chief Willie Collum stating it had been an “unacceptable” error.
SPOT ON…Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers gives his view on the most recent VAR controversy. Image courtesy: Sky Sports.
The Parkhead gaffer, who has now won 10 honours during his two stints at the club, made a point of reminding the vociferous critics the men in front of the screen are “not machines”.
Rodgers said: “I’ve been involved in 20 Celtic v Rangers games now and I always feel there’s a narrative of some sort after the game, in each game.
“Should there have been given a penalty? Should there have been a red card? Should they have not? Should there have been a goal? Even penalties that are awarded even when it’s offside!
“So, there is always something in the narrative. I can understand why you would maybe look at it. When I see it and evaluate it, the images I’ve seen, it was probably given for the initial foul which was clearly not on the line.
“Of course, it then moves on and goes on to be the penalty aspect.
ONE MAN AND HIS CUP…Brendan Rodgers leaves the Hampden pitch with the newly-won League Cup.
“But the bottom line is, whatever happens in the game, you have to get on with it. For us, we can only control what we can and that was to go on and win the game.”
Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “It’s always been acknowledged that even with VAR, there will be human error. The guys are not machines.
“They’re looking in a calmer position rather than a pressurised one of the game. But it’s still about interpretation.
“Clearly, one of the VAR guys felt the initial foul took place away from the incident when it rolled on and that’s his specialised opinion as an official, and an experienced official.
“The VAR will have that element of human error. Sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it goes against you.”
