As a protest against the Hoops, Celtic wrote to the SFA expressing their “serious concerns” over the use of VAR during their loss to Hearts.
Following Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Tynecastle, manager Brendan Rodgers was incensed. He wasn’t sure about referee Don Robertson’s decision to be called over to the monitor by VAR official John Beaton to have another look at Yang’s high boot on Alex Cochrane, which turned the ball from yellow to red.
The Irishman was also incensed by the decision to rule that Tomoki Iwata handled the ball inside the Hearts box following a review. Now that Celtic are requesting information from the SFA, Rodgers might also face SFA sanctions. Rogers said that the calls were the result of the officials’ incompetence, which the Sun said “would appear to be a clear breach of the SFA’s judicial panel protocol.”
According to Celtic’s statement, Hyunjun Yang was given a red card during Sunday’s game against Hearts at Tynecastle. Celtic Football Club can confirm that it will be appealing this decision.
“We also sent a letter to the SFA expressing our grave concerns about the choices made during the game and the use of VAR.
“As we have said before, for some time Celtic has sought to work with the footballing authorities with the aim of improving standards associated with refereeing and the use of VAR in Scotland, something which is clearly in the wider interests of everyone within the game.”
In reaction to Rodgers’ criticism, the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association released a statement. They contend that deflection occurs far too frequently.
It says this: “Over the course of this season, managers and clubs have found it all too easy to shift the attention—and consequently, fan ire—on to match officials, frequently as a way to divert attention away from team performance and outcomes.
“We understand the significance of games, particularly as we approach the pivotal time of the season that will determine the championship, European and top-six spots, as well as play-off and relegation issues.
But match officials should be free to perform their jobs without worrying about how it would affect their personal life, their personal safety, or their families’ safety and security.
“It is unfortunate that criticism, which we all understand is a necessary component of the game for officials, coaches, and players, has increased significantly in frequency, disproportionate severity, and personalization toward our members.
“It is the duty of every individual participating in Scottish football to act in a polite and professional manner and to be aware of the consequences of their actions.”
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