Nick Walsh- the difference that two weeks can make
After three matches with VAR in operation in the SPFL Premiership Celtic fans are more confused and angry than ever.
There was a degree of trepidation about how the new tool would be implemented but a feeling that while it wouldn’t resolve every refereeing issue some things should be cut and dry. An improvement could be expected.
That should be the case even more so when the same official is involved in matches in quick succession. Alas it seems that Nick Walsh has his own built-in inconsistencies.
One’s been given as a penalty, One’s not, inconsistency at its finest already ?? pic.twitter.com/00lyMcmzz2
— Bricky? (@Bricky67_) November 5, 2022
A fortnight ago when Celtic faced Hearts he was the match referee, watched Michael Smith raise his arm to deflect a pass from James Forrest away from the intended target.
For reasons unexplained no penalty was awarded.
Should Celtic demand that the SFA publish a VAR report explaining key decisions an hour after the final whistle?
No, we have to let teething troubles die down
Yes, it will bring clarity, we need explanations
On VAR duty today there was another case of handball, from a far closer distance Steven Fletcher’s header struck Alexandro Bernabei with his back to play.
After a short delay, with Walsh on VAR he recommended that referee David Dickinson take a look at the pitch-side monitor. When that happens a change of decision is almost always made.
Dickinson resumed play with a penalty, Bernabei was booked with Dundee United levelling the scores.