A Walk over the dodgy official calls
ANDY WALKER has slammed the “outrageous” calls made on a weekend of officiating chaos in the Premiership as the former Celtic striker was left scratching his head over the performance of referees and VAR.
Celtic v Hibs
Elie Youan was sent off early for two bookings – his second for catching Cameron Carter-Vickers with a high boot after a foul on Carl Starfelt initially. Hibs took the lead from the spot after Starfelt was penalised for pulling Paul Hanlon’s shirt. Celtic then had a couple of spot kicks, the first for a foul by Hanlon on Carter-Vickers and then David Marshall on Liel Abada which was overturned.
Walker said: “All penalties were wrong. The first gave Hibs the chance to get in front. I hope we don’t get to see every tug of the shirt given as a penalty. It was soft. The penalty Celtic were given was just incredibly soft. There is no foul from Hanlon on Carter-Vickers. The yellow cards for Youan were outrageous.”
Motherwell v Rangers
Fashion Sakala looked like he might have been offside in the build-up but Walker was asked about the second half red card for Callum Slattery for catching Todd Cantwell with a flailing arm which saw him receive a second booking from Nick Walsh.
Walker said: “No wonder Slattery was frustrated because he misses games and it was a ridiculous call.”
Dundee United v St Mirren
The Tangerines were raging when the Buddies were awarded a penalty for an alleged foul by Loick Ayina on Curtis Main. Walker said: “It’s utterly baffling. To give the penalty in the first place is baffling and then for VAR to check it and say ‘Yeah, you’ve actually made the right decision’ is frustrating.
Kilmarnock v St Johnstone
Andy Considine appeared to handle the ball as he rose high to clear and Walker said: “When you see the ball coming in and see the height of Andy Considine’s hand it’s not just above his head – it’s totally outstretched.”