VAR crazed Nick Walsh awards three penalties in one match but not ‘at Hearts away’

Nick Walsh took his penalty total to six from three matches since VAR was introduced to the Scottish game.

Three times during Livingston’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen the Bearsden based PE teacher pointed to the penalty spot after a VAR consultation.

In his first match with VAR Walsh refused Celtic a clear penalty when Michael Smith extended his arm to deflect a pass from James Forrest.

A week later it was Tavpen time at Ibrox when Aberdeen were the visitors.

BBC Scotland reports:

Livingston moved level on points with Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership as they held off a second-half rally in a game that saw three penalties given for handball following VAR intervention.

The hosts led 2-0 at half-time through Jack Fitzwater’s low drive and a Sean Kelly spot-kick, with Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski’s penalty saved by Shamal George.

Luis Lopes did pull one back from the spot after the break, but despite dominating the visitors couldn’t find an equaliser.

On Saturday eagle-eyed Walsh alerted David Dickinson to a handball by Alexandro Bernabei but missed a red card assault on Giorgos Giakoumakis by Craig Sibbald

At last week’s Celtic AGM Michael Nicholson told shareholders that the club had been working to get the best possible match officials. He warned against teething problems with VAR which seems to have given Walsh and his colleagues a free pass to do as they please.