Since VAR was introduced to Scottish football in October 2022 a wall of protection has been thrown around Connor Goldson in domestic matches.
No matter how many times he uses his arms to control the ball in his own penalty box he can count on John Beaton, Steven McLean, Alan Muir, David Dickinson and the other cast members to look the other way in the sure knowledge that their colleague on VAR duty will be on a comfort break or catching the goss on their favourite message board.
Had a Scottish referee been on duty in Lisbon last week he’d have insisted on the free-kick being retaken that Goldson’s bulleted a header past Jack Butland for Benfica’s second goal.
Despite being awarded a first half penalty to take the lead and seeing Martin Boyle stretchered off following a clash of heads with John Souttar, yesterday’s Scottish Cup tie was still in the balance midway through the second half against Hibs.
The sort of stage in the match when the tired legs from Thursday night start to have an impact.
With two decisions within five minutes the visitors were in cruise control, up against nine men and cruising through to the semi-final draw.
Watch mclean at Obita sending off hes jot even seen it and only reacts when goldsonnstarts screaming at him.
Cheating bastards man pic.twitter.com/LU8J8Mnzb5
— JamD1888 (@celticjam83) March 10, 2024
With James Tavernier on the ball Rabbi Matondo tangles with James Orbita who had been booked in the incident that provided Philippe Clement’s side a first half penalty.
Steven McLean doesn’t seem to be overly concerned by the contact, his assistant is very close to it and doesn’t flag but at 14 seconds in the video clip something changes- Goldson alters direction to charge at the referee who starts fumbling around for cards.
It is the sort of situation that would see players other than Goldson warned or booked, as fans of 11 top flight know a different interpretation of the rules seem to apply to one club.
Tomorrow morning the SFA will publish the officials trusted with Sunday’s match at Dundee, neutral officials will be in charge of Thursday’s return leg against Benfica.
CLICK HERE for Kuhn’s appearances this season.
CLICK HERE for Shinnie hits out as Beaton suspends him from Scottish Cup semi-final.
CLICK HERE for the full SFA charge again Rodgers.
Lino never even flagged , terrible decision
— Bono’s Da ✊🏆🇯🇵🍀 (@bonos_da) March 10, 2024
Holding his face like he’s been shot
— Calum8 (@Calum92605000) March 11, 2024
