“Terrible VAR!” — Rangers man has called out John Beaton in VAR in Angry Rant after Gers were Blatantly ROBBED at Parkhead amid Controversial Decision going the way of Celtic

“Terrible VAR!” — Rangers man has called out John Beaton in VAR in Angry Rant after Gers were Blatantly ROBBED at Parkhead amid Controversial Decision going the way of Celtic

Michael Stewart has blasted “terrible VAR” after Alistair Johnston avoided a red card for his challenge on Mikey Moore during Celtic’s derby victory over Rangers.

The Celtic full-back was only shown a yellow card after sliding into a challenge on the Rangers winger during Sunday’s heated clash at Celtic Park. Replays later appeared to show Johnston making contact with Moore’s ankle in the follow-through.

For Stewart, it was astonishing that VAR official John Beaton failed to step in and recommend an on-field review to referee Nick Walsh.

The former Hibernian midfielder did not hold back while reacting online after the incident.

The pundit wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “A good many people feared VAR/officiating would have a huge part to play in the title race.

“Hopefully it isn’t decisive but deary me. How the VAR can look at the replays and not see a red card has occurred is wild.

“To hear some people say the follow through doesn’t matter is like going back 20 years.

“Couldn’t believe what I heard on commentary “where’s he meant to put his foot?”

“You’re not allowed to jump into a tackle and have a follow through like that plain and simple. Terrible VAR!”

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was equally convinced Johnston should have been dismissed after seeing the replay again.

“100 percent,” Boyd said when asked whether VAR should have intervened. “When you see it like that there (from the different angle).

“He hits him above the ankle. It’s a red card all day long.”

Boyd’s opinion was also echoed by fellow pundit James McFadden, who admitted Johnston had been “very fortunate” to stay on the pitch.

The incident has now added even more fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and officiating standards in Scottish football, especially after the controversy surrounding Celtic’s win over Hibernian just one week earlier.

Despite the uproar, Celtic went on to claim a huge 3-1 victory over Rangers to keep their title hopes alive heading into the final two matches of the season.