Can’t say it’s a surprise in Scotland… Chris Sutton’s Tynecastle verdict
Chris Sutton took in the events at Tynecastle yesterday and thought- only in Scotland.
The one time England striker covers the game north and south of the border for outlets ranging from the BBC to Sky Sports plus the Daily Mail and Daily Record.
Every week he is dealing with footballing issues on the park but also a growing number off the park with VAR throwing up issues and discussions every match day.
Brendan Rodgers is usually one of the most reserved managers in the business, he sees detaching himself from the emotions as part of his job but at Tynecastle he felt that lines were crossed.
In various post-match interviews the Celtic boss claimed that the outcome was decided by the match officials.
Funny old title race over the weekend. Well done to Hearts??Yang red card I really don’t like but understand why it was given. Iwata handball is so harsh but would have been awarded because of the position of his arm but he was nudged but can’t say it’s a surprise in Scotland…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) March 3, 2024
John Beaton on VAR duty was the focus of Rodgers’ comments but ultimately the decisions were made on the park by Don Robertson.
Both officials are on the FIFA list, being involved in European and international fixtures as well as the top Scottish matches.
Ironically FIFA were meeting in Loch Lomond over the weekend reviewing the Laws of the Game, the same laws apply universally but after watching the drama from Tynecastle Sutton is puzzled by the way that those laws are applied in the Scottish game.